By Doug Iden
In a contemporary re-telling of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, playwright Sarah Ruhl turns the ancient legend on its head in the intimate Strauss Theater at Northern Kentucky University in Eurydice.
Updated Plot and Characters
The basic story of Orpheus and Eurydice remains the same but there are considerable alterations in this interesting recounting. Here, Eurydice (Emma Kollstedt) is the major character, and the story is told through her eyes rather than her lovers. Orpheus (Charlie Norman) is a musician and composer and, apparently, more interested in clefs than clinches. During an embrace, Eurydice asks Orpheus what he’s thinking about and he replies “music”. Not a good omen but they get married anyway. After the ceremony, a Nasty Interesting Man (Zachary Petrie) approaches Eurydice, claiming that he has a letter from her deceased Father (Joseph O’Hair). Eager for the communication, Eurydice goes to the Nasty Man’s apartment where he tries to seduce her. While attempting to escape, Eurydice falls down the stairs, dies, and enters the Underworld where she is reunited with her father whom she barely knows.
Father recounts Eurydice’s family stories and introduces her to language and the love of reading and writing. Orpheus, distraught at the loss of his wife, writes letters to Eurydice which he sends to the Underworld. The Lord of the Underworld (also played by Petrie) tries to seduce Eurydice and disrupt her relationships with Father and Orpheus. Enter the three Stones (Lily Hotkewicz, Hailey Walls and Sierra Conner), a wise-cracking Greek Chorus which iterates the rules of the Underworld and unleashes moral judgements on the others. Eurydice attempts to return to life which leads to problematic results.
Themes
The overarching theme is romantic love and familial relationships. In this rendering, there is also an emphasis on the importance of language, learning and memory. The characters float between knowledge and ignorance, loving memories and forgetfulness, literacy and illiteracy. Ancient Greek themes of “Good vs. Evil”, and “Life vs. Death” are also examined.
Solid Performances
Emma Kollstedt as Eurydice displays the greatest character arc moving from giddy, young woman in love to an avid listener enthralled with family history and learning to a heartbreaking tragedian writing to Orpheus and his future wife. Orpheus (Norman) is solid, moving from youthful exuberance to indifference to increasing anxiety about his lost love. O’Hair as the avuncular Father represents his core morality and stability which helps center Eurydice’s new “life”. As a “businessman,” he represents orderly society but, as a father, he activates Eurydice’s love of language and appreciation for loving relationships.
Petrie as the Lord of the Underworld and the “real world” counterpart a Nasty Interesting Man is deliciously evil and obsequious and steals each scene he in. Hotkewicz, Walls and Connor as the “Stones” cavort delightfully, doubling as the comedic relief and the moral commentators. Sometimes they speak in unison, sometimes individually. Several times they enact the “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” mantra. Most of the characters are barefoot throughout.
Talented Production Team
The set (Aspen Knight) and lighting (Jo Sanburg) are major characters. In the background, is a stage with stairs leading to an apartment (representing the “real world”). Most of the action takes place in front with a series of platforms used as stairs and broken Greek columns littering the stage. There is an elevator transporting people to the underworld which when opened, rains on the passengers. Eurydice uses an umbrella. Written letters representing correspondence between the worlds, are stapled to the back wall.
Red is a predominant color for both lighting and costumes (Ronnie Chamberlain) symbolizing danger and evil. Costumes range from beach wear to wedding dresses to business suits. The Underworld Lord’s dress is almost cartoonish, with red pants and coat and unkempt wig (Codi Rasor). Also, the Stones wear nondescript brown outfits with ram’s head helmets. Another interesting choice is when The Lord becomes a juvenile riding a tricycle and later a giant walking on stilts. Father and Eurydice create a “room” delineated by red twine which is immediately condemned by the Stones. Director Corrie Danieley creates a fast paced and memorable production.
Overall, See Eurydice
This is a fascinating, modern take on classic Greek drama, infused with contemporary themes and allusions with considerable humor (from the Stones and the Lord). The acting and production values are first rate.
So, don’t forget to take the elevator to the Underworld at the Stauss Theater at NKU SOTA for a delightful evening with Eurydice, running through February 22, 2026. Order tickets at boxoffice@nku.edu
- Recommended for Ages 13+
- Estimated run time: 85 minutes
- Location: Stauss Theatre
