Olympia High School Theatre Arts Department Presents

Eurydice

A play by Sarah Ruhl

Eurydice is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com  

How far would you go for true love? 

Would you face your worst fears? Battle your archnemesis? Run 100 miles? 1000? Farther?

The Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is timeless. Orpheus is the son of a muse, a musician, an adventurer, and a hopeful dreamer. He meets and falls in love with a beautiful traveler, Eurydice, and their love was deep and instant. The two lovers are tested when Eurydice is killed by a poison serpent and taken to the Underworld to be a companion to Hades. Orpheus, being not only a musician, but an adventurer, learns how to traverse the mortal world and enter the Underworld in a dramatic attempt to rescue his wife. Once there, he convinces Hades and Persephone - Hades’ wife - to allow Eurydice to leave. Hades agrees and sends the two walking back to the mortal world with one condition: Eurydice must follow Orpheus along the path from the Underworld, but Orpheus can never look back to make sure that she is following.

Most versions of this story focus on Orpheus’s journey, he’s the steadfast hero who faces down death for love. And, in so doing, they forget about her, Eurydice. What happens to her in the underworld? That’s the question that Sarah Ruhl set out to answer in this play: what about Eurydice? Our story focuses on her journey. Ruhl focuses on how Eurydice is tempted because of a desire to hear from her dead father, a journey mirrored by the author herself whose father passed away from cancer at the age of 20. Eurydice is swept to a place with no memory, no words to describe her life; and, once there, she is reunited with her father, who becomes a beacon for her of hope.

Sarah Ruhl’s play is a modern retelling of the classic myth. Her use of language and character conveys a story rich with hope in the face of adversity, she gives us language to show us that we need to enjoy the life while we live it - to delight in directions, trees, shade, smells, people, and love. Along with one of the most cathartic endings in modern dramatic literature, Eurydice will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Both casts and crew lists can be found at: Eurydice Cast and Crew List 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. https://www.purplepass.com/#u45261/Olympia_School_District_-_Theater_Productions.html 

Performances Dates & Times

11th and 12th grade cast:

February 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th at 7pm

9th and 10th grade cast:

February 10th at 1pm and February 15th at 7pm

Cost (All Seats are Reserved)

$10 for General Ticketed Patrons

$8 for Seniors (65 and older)

$8 for Students (18 and younger)

CONTENT WARNINGS

This play deals heavily with feelings of loss and grief. 

There will be a fog machine and flashing lights used during the performance. 

Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @ohstheatrearts

Use the #ohseurydice to let people know you're coming

For questions, please email Dallas Myers: dmyers@osd.wednet.edu or call 360-596-7000