Solano College Theatre Presents 'Eurydice' At The Harbor Theatre

A tragic tale of love, heartache, memories and choices; the Greek mythology “Eurydice” presented by the Solano College Theatre leaves its audience saddened and pondering the question: Is love worth living or dying for?

Sarah Ruhl’s version of “Eurydice” tweaks the original tale and writes the play through Eurydice’s view instead of Orpheus. Ruhl’s adaptation of “Eurydice,” tells the story of two young lovers, Orpheus, played by Dominic Lessa of Vacaville and Eurydice, played by Stephanie Hambright also from Vacaville who shares the part with Carmen Hanson of Fairfield.

Head over heels in love and enamored with each other’s company the couple decides to get married. All is well until the day of their wedding when Eurydice is visited by a “Nasty Interesting Man,” played by Michael Pulsipher and also by Adam Wayne Gistarb, who carries a letter written by her deceased father from the underworld.

Confused yet anxious and excited to read her father’s letter, Eurydice entertains the stranger’s company in exchange for the message. Feeling a bit uneasy and reaching a level of uncomfort Eurydice attempts to escape, but her attempt to flee from the stranger causes her to slip; a fatal slip that leads her to the underworld where she is reunited with her father, played by Roy Jimenez of Sonoma.

Entering the underworld Eurydice’s living encounters are wiped from her memory. She is without voice and in order to communicate with her father, Eurydice must learn the language of the dead. Adamant for her to remember, Eurydice’s father chooses an alternate route and communicates with her through memories and emotions; extremely forbidden in the underworld as reminded by the underworld stones. Slowly, Eurydice begins to recognize her father and the two relive glorious moments from their past.

Still pained by the loss of his beloved Eurydice, Orpheus decides to rescue her from the underworld and use his passion for music to bring her back to life. Eurydice is given special instructions upon the arrival of her heroic Orpheus and is told that she can safely return to Earth as long as she silently follows Orpheus. She is warned that the slightest movement or noise will allow Orpheus to look back and by doing so she will die a second death.

Ruhl’s modern spin on this classic tale combined with the raw talent of the “Eurydice” cast is sure to attract audiences of all ages and leave them emotionally drained.

If you haven’t watched “Eurydice,” here is what a few of their cast members say to expect:

“The audience can expect to be deeply moved I hope. It is a powerful message.”

-George Maguire, Director

“A poetic retelling of the classic myth, stunning visuals heightened with music.  A wide range of emotional responses, some laughs, some surprises, and an experience you can't get from movies or television.”

-Roy Jimenez, Eurydice’s father

 “People can expect to leave the theatre in tears.  This show can bring up a lot of emotional memories for people and it is such a moving story that I think almost everyone can relate to.  Whether you know the original tale or not, it doesn't matter because Sarah Ruhl puts her own creativity into it and reworks almost a whole new story.”

-Carmen Hanson, Eurydice

“People who come to see Eurydice can expect to see something possibly unlike anything they have seen before.”

-Dominic Lessa, Orpheus

"Eurydice" is currently playing at the and will show until Mar. 20. For a list of show times please visit Solano College Theatre. Other cast members are Carina M. Barlow, Kate I. Morrill, Demorie A. Daye and Karen DuVall, who play the part of the “Stones.” Many of the actors and actresses performing in “Eurydice” are students in the SCT Actor Training Program.