Theatre department tackles ancient retelling ‘Eurydice’ performance captivates audience at Alys Stephens Center
Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in Features
The UAB Theatre Department opened with a show that gives new meaning to the phrase “to hell and back” on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Sarah Ruhl and directed by Karla Koskinen, the play “Eurydice” is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek legend of Orpheus descending to the Underworld to rescue his wife. There have been many renderings of the story since its oration 2,000 years ago; however, Ruhl’s version is anything but stale.
Unlike the original myth, the play is told from the heroine’s perspective, providing more insight into the characters’ lives. Personal elements from Ruhl’s life permeate the play as well. Childhood, past times, first love, manipulation and parental teachings are some of the themes incorporated into the story that help the audience connect to the characters’ plights.
The title character, played by Hannah Hughes, is a young woman whose life abruptly ends immediately after her marriage. The theme of undying affection runs throughout the play, manifested through Eurydice’s husband, Orpheus (Timothy Craig) and her father (Dennis McLernon).
Though the play takes place in present day, “Eurydice” employs symbolism to highlight the old-fashioned sense of unity with nature, which is essential for the play’s success. Water is the central symbol of the play, but stones are also important enough that there are three characters which bear this name. The Chorus of Stones, played by Jasmaine McCorvey, Whitney Rooks and Brittney Michelle, were beautiful deconstructions of ’70s divas, complete with Afro puffs, neck rolling and heavy eye shadow. The Stones were highly amusing and effectively represented the dead.
The set of “Eurydice” did have some of the typical Greek underworld imagery, such as drippy stalagmites and the River Styx. However, the characters touched on the idea that the Underworld was not an entirely gloomy, colorless place. In fact, much of the humor of the play derives from the Lord of the Underworld, played by Daniel Norwood. The seven inhabitants of Hell represented completely different members of the community. The costumes, acting and dialogue all portrayed the idea that the Underworld was similar to Earth, in that there were various professions and personalities. Still, this concept is not fully fleshed out in the play, and therefore requires imagination on the part of the audience.
One thing is for sure: “Eurydice” is a play that can be easily ruined if a company is not careful. Fortunately, this company presented a clear, sincere performance.
Email: hauoli87@uab.edu
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