Tarika Cefkin '09 and Lucius Robinson '10, in Eurydice

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11/3/08

'Eurydice' To Be Performed At St. Lawrence University

CANTON - Sarah Ruhl's award-winning play Eurydice will be presented at St. Lawrence University Wednesday, November 5, through Saturday, November 8, at 8 p.m. each evening in Gulick Theatre. Admission is free, and tickets are available at the door or in advance at the box office, located in the lobby. The box office is open Monday, November 3, through Friday, November 7, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The performance lasts 90 minutes without intermission and is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Eurydice is Ruhl's re-imagining of the classical Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from the point of view of the heroine. In the original myth, shortly after marrying Orpheus, the world's greatest musician, Eurydice steps on a snake, is bitten, and dies. Overcome with grief, Orpheus descends to the Land of the Dead to win her release. His musical plea for Eurydice's return is so moving that even the stones weep, and, ultimately, the ruler of the Underworld consents to allow her to return on two conditions: she must follow behind Orpheus on the return trip, and he cannot turn to look at her until they reach the Land of the Living. At the last moment, Orpheus doubts that Eurydice is actually behind him, turns, and loses her forever. Ruhl's updated version of the myth features a comic chorus of stones; a raining elevator; a room built entirely of string; and a tricycle-riding child who rules over the Land of the Dead.

The St. Lawrence production of Eurydice is directed by Kirk W. Fuoss, associate professor of performance and communication arts.

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