Theatre / greek myths
+100-strong cast take on ambitious retelling of ‘Orpheus & Eurydice’ at Bristol Old Vic
The Greek myth of enduring love, Orpheus & Eurydice is getting a contemporary urban Bristol makeover this Autumn, with Bristol Old Vic’s huge community engagement production opening on August 31.
Written by Adam Peck (Olivier Award-winning A Monster Calls), directed by Lisa Gregan (Make More Noise, Under a Cardboard Sea) and produced by Hattie de Santis, the show features design from Anna Orton (Messiah, King Lear) and sound design and composition by Jack Orozco Morrison.
It’s summer in Bristol, and against a background of seasonal excess, the two central characters stand on the edge of the Avon Gorge, on the cusp of adulthood.
is needed now More than ever
In rehearsal for Orpheus & Eurydice – photo: courtesy of Bristol Old Vic
They’re head over heels in love. They believe they’ll do anything and go anywhere for each other. But will they go to hell and back? Soon they’ll find out.
A project on this scale has been in discussion for a decade, and excitement is building around the opportunity to bring together so many of Bristol Old Vic’s groups and partners for one production – including their Community Choir, Adult Company, Young Company, Young SixSix, Oi Polloi, Acta, and Meadows to Meadows.
The ambitious task of bringing everyone together extends to all collaborating creatives, from coordinating rehearsals to ensuring the stage design can accommodate such a large cast.
Audiences can expect a thoroughly modern treatment of the classic story, though no less epic in tone. Oh, and we’re warned, “there’ll be karaoke!”
In rehearsal for Orpheus & Eurydice – photo: courtesy of Bristol Old Vic
Orpheus & Eurydice (age recommendation 12+) is at Bristol Old Vic from August 31-September 2 at 7pm, with an additional 2pm matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets are available from www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Ben Robins
Read more: A clutch of Edinburgh Fringe shows will transfer to a packed autumn season at Bristol Old Vic
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