Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s production of Eurydice at fortyfivedownstairs is a remarkable theatrical achievement, an ambitious, visually poetic and emotionally resonant work that lingers long after the final moments on stage. Written by acclaimed American playwright Sarah Ruhl, whose celebrated works include In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) and Stage Kiss, Eurydice offers a contemporary reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In the hands of director Gary Abrahams, this modern classic becomes a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, memory and the spaces between worlds.
Ruhl’s script cleverly balances heartbreak with humour, weaving together lyrical language, surreal imagery and witty commentary on the challenges of translating classical myths for contemporary audiences. This production embraces those contrasts wholeheartedly. The result is a theatrical experience that feels both intellectually stimulating and emotionally accessible, inviting audiences into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist.
Director Gary Abrahams once again demonstrates why he is one of Australia’s most inventive theatre-makers. His vision for Eurydice is bold and imaginative, creating a production that seamlessly blends music, visual storytelling and dreamlike theatricality. Every creative choice feels purposeful, contributing to a rich sensory landscape that captures the mythic scope of the story while remaining grounded in its deeply human emotional core. Abrahams crafts a world that is at once strange and familiar, beautiful and heartbreaking.
The cast delivers exceptional performances across the board, with each performer bringing a distinct energy and presence to the stage. Special mention must go to Aisha Aidara in the titular role. Aidara’s portrayal of Eurydice is fearless and deeply affecting. Through both voice and movement, she captures the character’s vulnerability, intelligence and passion with extraordinary nuance. Her performance is filled with emotional honesty, allowing audiences to connect profoundly with Eurydice’s journey between love and loss.
Equally captivating is Devon Braithwaite as the Lord of the Underworld. Braithwaite commands the stage with magnetic charisma, bringing humour, menace and unpredictability to the role. His performance provides many of the production’s most memorable moments, skillfully balancing the play’s darker themes with its delightfully absurd wit.
What makes this production particularly successful is its ability to touch the soul without sacrificing any reverence for the classical myth. It trusts its audience to engage with its complexities while offering moments of genuine wonder and beauty. The combination of evocative design, haunting music and exceptional performances creates an atmosphere that feels almost dreamlike, as though the audience has stepped into a living poem.
Melbourne Shakespeare Company has delivered a production that honours the spirit of Orpheus and Eurydice’s extraordinary love story while carving out its own unique voice. Eurydice is a masterclass in contemporary theatre-making. This production is thought-provoking, visually stunning and emotionally powerful. It’s little wonder that this season is likely to sell out. This is theatre at its most imaginative and affecting, and it is absolutely not to be missed.
To book tickets to Eurydice, please visit https://www.melbourneshakespeare.com/eurydice.
Photographer: Nick Mick Pics
