The ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance brings a timeless, mythical love story to campus in Sarah Ruhl’s play, “Eurydice.”
“Eurydice” follows the timeline after time is cut short for newlywed couple Eurydice and Orpheus, told from Eurydice’s perspective. As she journeys through the underworld, reunites with her father, all while reminiscing on her lost love, Eurydice doesn’t stop short of letting the audience experience her raw emotions. Although she faces an afterlife full of difficult decisions, Eurydice develops into a woman much different than she had been viewed to be. The screenplay is full of plot twists and contemporary characters, keeping the tension and emotion at an all-time high throughout the duration of the play.
The student led adaptation was directed by Ante Ursic, assistant professor of physical theatre at the department of theatre and dance. With research investigating the human-animal relationship in contemporary circus, Ursic’s attention to detail made the four-night show achieve its spectacular viewing. The viewing was held from Feb. 22 to 25 in the Bert C. Bach Theatre.
“I was gracious to have the opportunity to practice new circus skills and work with an amazing cast and crew,” said senior Emily Austin, the actress portraying main character, Eurydice. Austin’s prior experience in ETSU theatre performances set her up for success, seamlessly connecting her reality to a mythical world of fantasy. She embodied everything about Eurydice, and, as the audience followed along with her speech, the distinction between Austin and Eurydice was impeccable.
The department’s actors and actresses, faculty and staff put in their hard work, and it never goes unnoticed. Their time and determination will result in one last performance in April as “Heathers: the Musical” will come to campus to close out the academic year. All tickets are available for sale and any information regarding the department’s last performance can be found through their Instagram @etsutheatredance.
