Orpheus & Euridice Opera

On December 19, 2013 myself and another member of the club, John Hackett, went to see a free opera performance at Welles Park Pool. It was beyond fabulous!

The performance was of Orpheus and Euridice, and if you don't know the story, here's a quick synopsis:

Orpheus, the son of Apollo and the muse Calliope, was a musician and poet whose lyrical melodies could tame wild animals, cause trees and rocks to dance, and divert rivers from their courses. When his young wife Eurydice died, Orpheus journeyed to the Underworld to rescue her. He charmed the Ruler of the Underworld with his music and was allowed to return with her to Earth as long as he didn't look back along the way. As he neared Earth, he was anxious to reassure himself Eurydice was still behind him. As he turned, she vanished back into the Underworld. His pleas to the Ferryman on the River Styx to return him back to the Underworld went unheeded and he mourned the loss of Eurydice a second time. The Thracian women, angry that following his return Orpheus paid them no attention; threw their spears at him; tore him in pieces; and tossed his head and lyre into the Hebrus river. Jupiter threw his lute into the stars while the Shade of Orpheus entered the Underworld where he was finally reunited with Eurydice. Source

The female playing Euridice was singing, while the male playing Orpheus played the clarinet. The two interacted beautifully. Interestingly enough, there was another younger couple of actors that was Orpheus and Euridice, and as the older performers sang and played music, the younger actors put the song into life.

Photo of the performance in the pool

What was so special about this performance was that it took place at an indoor pool! The actors and musicians took advantage of the setting and really integrated it into the performance. Here is a quick description on how that worked from the show creators:

This unique theatrical experience will transport attendees into the River Styx with the actors playing around, on, and IN the water in this modern retelling of the famous Greek myth.

I can honestly say I have never seen a performance so beautiful. It was truly engaging and moving. John and I got a chance to speak briefly with the clarinet player who played Orpheus, Todd Palmer, and he could not have been nicer. He was very engaging with us and appreciative of our attendance - which made me appreciate him that much more.

Me (Paulina) next to the decorative sculpture

John next to the decorative sculpture