The classic Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most tragic love stories that preceded Romeo and Juliet centuries later. Eurydice is a fresh retake that is brought into the modern world surrounding the two lovers meeting at a music festival, but Red Hot Theatre Company, through their professional debut show, explores a concept that Eurydice herself explores. The theme of loss and regret. Only from her perspective, the underworld she enters is one where language and memories are lost. You become one of the lost souls that have no journey. Will she remember what she has lost and change the course of history?
The first thing to note is that with a debut show and company, there are always some learning curves to be had from the word go. The premise of Eurydice was a very strong concept in bringing the story into the modern era with modern language, music and experimental absurdist imagery that created the tale’s origins. One thing that the team have to address before they go to Chichester on their current tour is the balance between loud and quiet vocally and musically, respectively. In the beginning, the music drowned out the strong vocals, which were slowly rectified, but then one or two members of the cast, as it went on, became too quiet even for those in the front row. Whilst in film you can be quieter than on stage, here it seemed like they were trying to create a more intimate feel in certain scenes, such as the father and daughter moments in the underworld. It was a strong choice, but by having the projection in place, the audience will be able to hear more. Once the balance between the two states is rectified, that will enhance the already enchanting experience created here.
The characters were well-rounded and extremely engaging, and created some beautiful connections within the cast that made it clear they were not just here to tell a story, but to live and breathe each experience conveyed. Pompey Hutton and Daisy Collins played our two lovers as a young lesbian couple, which added a warm and mindful nod to today’s culture of inclusivity. Collins’ Orpheus was a woman who became the freedom aspect to the relationship and made sure the music aspect was expanded to bring an element of connection and magic. She became the strong romantic fighter we were expecting through her clear expressions of love and connection with Hutton’s Eurydice in both a physical and emotional way. Hutton, on the other hand, embodied the grounding force of the relationship. The one who reads to learn and grow and craves stability. She showed a great range of intense emotions as she found love, then lost herself and found herself again in the underworld, which enabled a heightened exploration of loss for her.
I have to give a special mention to our Greek Chorus of Lara Doney, Keely Churcher and Sophie Stanley for delivering a creative, fun take on the three stones and Hades himself (Lord of the Underworld in this version). Together, they showcased their comedy and choral ensemble skills in a way that, whilst the choices were at times risky, they paid off by giving us an unusual and abstract no man’s land in a way. Nothing was ever quite as it should be, yet if the way they were used to was challenged, they became upset. It indicated that traditional ways are being updated by modern choices and that change is hard.
Eurydice is moving, heartbreaking and equally joyful. Do not miss them at the Chichester Fringe Festival in June, on their next stop on the tour.
Reviewed by Sascha Cooper
Eurydice.
Presented by Pivotal Performance Company & Red Hot Theatre!
Following last year’s 4-star hit of The Seagull, Pivotal Performance Company returns to Brighton Fringe, partnering with our partner emerging theatre company: Red Hot Theatre. This production marks Red Hot’s highly anticipated company debut, a milestone reached after a crowdfunding campaign fuelled by the desire to forge a career within the arts that is on their own terms.
Forget the lyres and the robes. This is Eurydice through the lens of gig-theatre.
Expect a high-octane blend of live music, visceral movement, and spoken word. We’re descending into the underworld not with a whimper, but with a bassline that thumps in your chest. In a world of fading memories and static, Eurydice must choose between the comfort of the shadows and the painful noise of the living.
Cast
Pompey Hutton – Eurydice
Alex Kitchen – Narrator – The String
Keely Churcher – Big Stone/Nasty Interesting Man/Child/Lord of the Underworld
Freddie Cooper – The Father
Lara Doney – Loud Stone/Nasty Interesting Man/Child/Lord of the Underworld
Daisy Collins – Orpheus
Sophie Stanley – Little Stone/Nasty Interesting Man/Child/Lord of the Underworld
Pippa Janes – Stage Manager/Choreographer/Assistant Director
Creative Team:
Jimmy Ryan-Shedden
Polly Hadzis
Colin Emmett
Rebecca Salino