Sarah Ruhl creates an entirely original contemporary spin on a classic Greek myth in her poetic play Eurydice, playing now through October 5, 2008 at ACT Theatre. Performed at their theater in the round and directed by Allison Narver, Eurydice, is a fantastic and highly original contemporary retelling of a classic story from, Sarah Ruhl, one of the most distinct theatrical voices of a new generation of writers.
Eurydice is inspired by the death of Sarah Ruhl’s father in 1994, as she flips the classical myth of Orpheus to focus not on his descent to the underworld to rescue his young bride from death, but on Eurydice’s experience of her death and the journey taken. Reunited with her father in Hades, Ruhl’s Eurydice is confronted with the surprising and excruciating choice of leaving her father again to re-join her new husband. The play inventively expands on the themes of the myth to embrace not only the powerful force of romantic love, but also the deep bond shared between father and daughter.
At the age of 34, the gifted Ruhl has already been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2005 and in 2006 she was awarded a half-million dollar MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant to write more plays.
Special events in conjunction with Eurydice include:
Beer Tasting, September 12, 2008, 6:30 pm. Before the show, audiences can sample delicious brews, along with carefully paired snacks. This event takes place courtesy of Beverage Bistro of Redmond. Sponsored by Seattle Weekly.
The ACTivation Celebration, is September 19, 2008. A portion of single ticket sales (10%) will be donated to YWCA. Following the performance that evening, complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside live music!
InterACT, is September 26, 2008, 6:30 pm. Make a night of it! Bring friends (or cozy up to some new ones) to the most collectively connected night of theater in town. Audiences mix and mingle at ACT before the third Friday performance of each Mainstage production with complimentary cocktails and scrumptious snacks. Then, enjoy the performance and stick around for additional post-play entertainment. Sponsored by Red Diamond Wine.
Tickets to Eurydice range from $10 – $55.
More info is available at www.acttheatre.org.
