The School of Theatre’s next Stage II production will put a twist on a classic Greek tragedy with an added feminist element.
“Eurydice,” written by Sarah Ruhl, retells the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from Eurydice’s perspective, focusing on her struggle to decide whether to return to Earth or remain in the underworld.
Kelsey Bray, acting junior, is the director of the show and says the play explores family and relationships.
“This show, really, is the first version of the story to be told from Eurydice’s perspective,” Bray said. “She makes decisions for herself and decides her own fate.”
Bray said she has wanted to direct this show for over three years.
“I’ve wanted to direct this show since I first read it,” Bray said. “I was just so attracted to it. It’s such a simple story with such intricate details and beautiful, poetic language.”
Bray said one major change from the original myth is the inclusion of Eurydice’s father, a character created by Ruhl.
“Ruhl wrote the play while grieving the death of her father,” Bray said. “She decided to add Eurydice’s father as a main character who she reunites with in the underworld, and it causes a lot of internal conflict within her throughout the show.”
Bray said this internal conflict adds more layers to the story.
“I keep calling the show ‘Eurydice’s feminist manifesto,’” Bray said. “The decisions are truly up to her, especially considering the addition of her father and their healthy, dedicated relationship.”
Bray said she is focusing the show around an ensemble.
“Everyone’s involved in the entire show,” Bray said. “There’s lots of movement pieces, and even when someone’s not on stage, they are supporting offstage sounds or contributing some other way. I really wanted to make sure the final product is a true collaborative effort.”
Bray said she has shaped the rehearsal process in a way that ensures everyone has a voice.
“I really value actors’ input,” Bray said. “Ever since the first day of rehearsals, I have laid out my interpretation in front of them, then asked them to give me their own, with their personal views and ideas. I basically just tried to imagine the way I would want to be treated as an actor in a rehearsal space and give them that. I think it has worked very well so far.”
Olivia Laskin, acting junior and “Little Stone” in the play, said the rehearsal process has been smooth and collaborative.
“Kelsey is very open to our ideas,” Laskin said. “If we find something we would like to explore or expand upon, she is super willing to let us try it out. Helping her bring her vision to life has been absolutely incredible.”
Laskin said she encourages students to see the show.
“I think everyone should see it,” Laskin said. “It is such a special show that truly deserves to be seen. It’s such a fun, unique look on this story, and Kelsey has an absolutely beautiful vision for it. You won’t want to miss out.”
“Eurydice” will be performed at 8 p.m. on March 5-7, and 2 p.m. on March 8 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.
Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in advance through the ticket office in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center, online, or by calling the ticket office at 405-208-5227.
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