Orpheus is the Classical tragic figure who looks back. This story discards him, bar occasional mention, favouring his bride Eurydice, and telling of her experiences in the Underworld as dead figures narrate their lives and deaths. The Underworld is a centre of knowledge for classical heroes such as Heracles and Odysseus, but this glimpse into it answers few questions. The bland Eurydice voices oppressive and deep questions, ”Can love flow out of death?”, ”Can love break down barriers of grief and prejudice?” These questions remain unexplored and the actors fail to convince the audience of the worth of such questions. The comedy is more successful, providing a welcome distraction. A reasonably entertaining play, but nothing of any ground-breaking quality.

theSpace @ Venue 45, 9-10 Aug, times vary.
tw rating 3/5 | [Alice Taylor]

Sections: ED2012 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Centre College, Space Venues

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