Department of Theatre Play Gives New Twist to Greek Classic

Poster by Emily Clarkson

The Department of Theatre in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences will present Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl this week. The show opened Friday and will continue through Sunday, Feb. 28, in the University Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.

The play was nominated for multiple awards, including the 2008 Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of A Play. It opened off Broadway at Second Stage Theatre in June 2007, where it was directed by Les Waters.  The New York Times described it as a "weird and wonderful play."

Eurydice is a clever reimagining of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the hero who ventures to the Underworld to rescue his wife.  Instead of chronicling the adventures of Orpheus on his journey, this story focuses on his bride and what happens to her in the Underworld. It is a one act play, set in a world of fantastical scenery, costumes, and effects.

The production is directed by faculty member Morgan Hicks. The cast features junior theatre major Emily Riggs as Eurydice. Also in the cast are MFA acting candidates Chris Tennison and Bill Rogers, and undergraduate students Jake Durkin, Chandler Birmingham, Savannah Haynes, and Jeremy Stuthard. It features an all student design staff, with scenery by Joseph Farley, costumes by MJ Hall, lighting by Emily Clarkson, master electrician Jacquelyn R. Cox, makeup by Kelsey Cain, and a sound design by Jacob Hofer.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24-27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28. All performances are in the University Theatre in Fine Arts Center. The Wednesday and Thursday performances are free to students with a valid University of Arkansas ID. Audience members are encouraged to make reservations in advance. 

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and University of Arkansas faculty and staff and $5 for students. The box office is open ninety minutes prior to each performance. Tickets are also available online or by phone at (479) 575-6067. Students may email the Box Office to reserve a free student ticket.