Eurydice

Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, 2econd Stage Theatre, New York


Lyrical fantasy are the two words I would use to describe this play. A reimagining of the myth in modern terms without being coy or pretentious, it begins with Orpheus and Eurydice on a beach, relaxing, kissing, definitely in love. He ties a string to a very specific finger, as a way of asking her to marry him, and she is ecstatic! Both of the actors played the love between them with genuine passion and emotion.

We see Eurydice's dead father, sending her a letter with advice on her wedding day, then a wedding day encounter with a Nasty and Interesting Man (yes, that is how he is listed in the Playbill!) who has the letter from Eurydice's father, causes her death. It is unclear as to whether it is on purpose or not, but the final outcome is that Eurydice dies.

Here is where I *must* mention the set--a beautiful mosaic of oceanic tiles, including the floor, with large flowers painted on the back section. A pair of sliding doors in the center back double as a mock-elevator, and drains in the floor of the stage itself are there specifically for the running water used throughout the play. Water, and use of water, is a theme throughout the play, especially with the water being used to help the dead forget their lives.

Once dead, Eurydice is found by her father in the underworld. A Chorus of Stones (Big, Little, and Loud) warn him, and Eurydice, of the dangers of messing with memory in the underworld. The Lord of the Underworld (played by the same actor who also plays the Nasty and Interesting Man) appears, and is fascinated with Eurydice.

Orpheus sings his way into the underworld, after sending Eurydice letters that she somehow receives. The myth plays out, much as we know it, but right up until the moment of failure, the whole audience, including me, hoped that they would make it.There was even a little sigh of sadness when she spoke his name, which was why he turned around.

I think the most interesting part of it was how language and music was used to create the sense of unreality. The Stones fulfill that function, as does the Lord of the Underworld, who at one point zooms around Eurydice on a tricycle while the opening riffs from "Welcome to the Jungle" blare.

The entire show held me spellbound, a vision of the myth shown in contemporary terms with brilliant execution of emotion between Eurydice and Orpheus, and Eurydice and her father. The emotion vibrated off the actors, all the way through the end.

Second Stage Theatre is a wonderful space, with stadium seating so there really is no bad seat. I was in the second row form the top and could see everything! Sadly, this was the last day of the run in New York, but if it travels, look for it!