Theatre News Wire

Writers Theatre, led by Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, announces the opening of its 2023/24 Season with the play "Eurydice." Penned by the celebrated Wilmette-born playwright Sarah Ruhl, "Eurydice" is a milestone for Braden Abraham, marking his first directorial effort at Writers Theatre. The play runs from September 21 to October 22, 2023, at the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

Eurydice at Writers Theatre

Upon descending to the underworld, the recently married and deceased Eurydice finds herself bereft of memories and language. She endeavors to regain her humanity with the help of her long-lost father. However, a decision looms when Orpheus comes to her rescue: remain with her father in the afterlife or leave with her spouse, torn between existence and oblivion. Nominated for both the Pulitzer and Tony, North Shore native Sarah Ruhl masterfully weaves humor, poetry, and optimism into this ancient myth, highlighting Eurydice's journey to rediscovery.

"Eurydice has been praised for its originality and its poetic language, and it has been produced all over the world. Sarah Ruhl grew up just down the road in Wilmette, and Eurydice may be one of Sarah's most personal plays," comments Braden Abraham. "What makes this ancient myth so enticing as to continue to invite interpretation? Over the millennia, poems, operas, songs, and paintings have interpreted and re-interpreted this story about the power of love and the importance of letting go. Sarah Ruhl's arresting version explores themes of love, loss, and grief, but it is also a joyous, hopeful play about the endurance of the human spirit."

The cast includes: John Gregorio (Father), Kenneth La'Ron Hamilton (Orpheus), Susaan Jamshidi (Loud Stone), Elizabeth Ledo (Little Stone), John Lister (Big Stone), Sarah Price (Eurydice), and Larry Yando (Nasty Interesting Man/Lord of the Underworld). The understudies are Jazmín Corona, Tyler Meredith, Brandon J. Sapp, and Austin Tichenor.

The creative team includes: Courtney O'Neill (Scenic Designer), Danielle Nieves (Costume Designer), Marcus Doshi (Lighting Designer), Jeffrey Levin (Sound Designer & Composition), Micah Figueroa (Intimacy Director), and Tonya Lockyer (Movement Director). The stage manager is Katie Klemme and the assistant stage manager is Kate Nagorski.