Hobart and William Smith Colleges

23 October 2009 Bartlett Theatre Presents Eurydice

Eurydice, Sarah Ruhls 21st century version of an ancient Greek myth, plays out not from Orpheus point of viewas has been done throughout the ages in literature, opera, poetry, theater and filmbut from his beloved Eurydices. We learn what happens to her in the Underworld while Orpheus is busy figuring out a way to get down there. Not everyone Eurydice meets in Ruhls wet and wild Hades has been dipped in the river of forgetfulness. With an all-star HWS cast, Eurydice will be performed in the Bartlett Theatre on Oct. 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Lisa Black, assistant professor of theatre.

From the moment I finished reading Sarah Ruhls Eurydice in January of 2009, I knew I wanted to direct the play at HWS, says Black. Im fascinated by the strangely sad and funny plays essential elements of water, memory, love, lust, and myth as well as its preoccupation with the question of what is interesting?'

Playwright Sarah Ruhl was a Pulitzer finalist for her play The Clean House. She is the recipient of the MacArthur Foundation genius award and was chosen this year by American Theater magazine as one of 25 people expected to shape the next 25 years of American theater.

The play is a take on the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but with a few surprises. If you know the story, you are going to be in for a real treat, says Shalon Hilton 10, a senior who will play Eurydice in the show. With Lisa Blacks direction and the combination of actors the play has become more than just words on the page. It has become a fantastical world that I think will really excite the audience.

Other cast members include: Johnathan Patterson 11 (Orpheus), Steve Owens 10 (Father), Jordan Youngmann 10 (Nasty Interesting Man), Denisse Polanco 11 (Little Stone), Sarah Tompkins 10 (Big Stone), GK Lyttle 10 (Loud Stone). A number of William Smith students are on the production team: Jessica Cohen 10 (sound designer); Josephine Stout 12 (stage manager); Pearl Kerber 13 (assistant stage manager); and Emily Potter 13 (assistant stage manager).

Tickets are free for HWS students and $5 for the general public.