MCLA Fine and Performing Arts Department puts on Eurydice

Last month, the play Eurydice was put on by the MCLA Fine and Performing Arts Department. The dates of the performances were April 16th-18th at 7:30pm, and Sunday April 19th at 2:00pm. The play is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and,on account of the playwright Sarah Ruhl, is told through Eurydice’s point of view. The story starts out with an uplifting and joyful scene between the two characters, but then quickly digs deep into themes of loss, death, and memory as the plot unfolds. After Eurydice suddenly dies on her wedding night, she wakes up in a strange underworld where there is no rhyme or reason. Orpheus is utterly heartbroken without her, and trying to get her back proves to be much harder than he thought. 

The cast and crew of Eurydice brought this production to life by combining movement and music with imaginative storytelling. Jaden Nesmith ‘26, who played the role of Big stone, says: “What I really liked about working on Eurydice this semester was working with the other two stones (Chandra Miller ‘27 and Matthew Mcknight ‘29). We weren’t talking a lot (on stage), but we were always moving as one and talking as one, and that takes a lot of work. It may look easy on stage, but it took countless hours of rehearsing. They did phenomenal, and everyone did phenomenal.” The performers and designers worked together to create an insightful, visionary space for the different worlds that the story unfolds in. The production was supported by talented stage management and technicians. Lighting designer Matthew Garrity ‘27 says: I really enjoyed working with creative professionals during the design and rehearsal process. I was encouraged to make bold and impactful decisions that would help tell the story, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of lighting design.” MCLA guest artist Tom Truss was also part of the cast, playing the role of Eurydice’s father. Elizabeth Rodio and Charles ‘Chip’ Schoonmaker worked alongside each other to design and produce the show’s costumes. Additionally, the production was assistant directed by theatre student Rory DiVenuto ‘27, and stage managed by Leah LeBaron ‘27 and Ymar Martinez ‘29.

“I was absolutely blown away! I was so emotional the entire time, the actors were just incredible. I think one of my favorite aspects of the show was the sound design. It was so intense and engrossing and it made me feel passionate about art!”- Casey Viera ‘26

“It was very very innovative, and the lighting was insane and awesome, and the music was so crazy cool. It was the most four dimensional play I’ve ever witnessed. It played with space amazingly. The characters were really incredibly written, and I love their history and dynamics around each other. That was really cool!”- Juno Post ‘26