Celebrating “Connection,” Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance opens its 2024-25 season Sept. 19 with a modern take on the classic Greek myth, “Eurydice.”

“Theatre and Dance connect us with a world of ideas and emotions,” said Mark Templeton, Managing Director. “They broaden our perspective and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.”

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-21 and 23 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances are in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.

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Contemporary adaptation explores universal themes

According to the show’s director, Assistant Professor Karen Sabo, “Eurydice” reflects this year’s theme by exploring connections “between people who love each other and how that connection continues even after death.”

Sabo said that the play is author Sarah Ruhl’s interpretation of the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. “It is dedicated to her father, who died of cancer when Ruhl was in college,” she noted. “Eurydice’s father is a character in the play, which has themes regarding memory, music and how language is a thread that connects us.”

“Open text” format leads to innovative collaboration

This production of “Eurydice” has encouraged a unique degree of collaboration, Sabo said. Audiences can expect to see a high level of creativity and innovation in each performance.

“Some shows are closed texts that dictate how they should be done,” Sabo explained. “Sarah Ruhl’s ‘Eurydice’ is an open text, meaning that it’s particularly open to interpretations, and different versions of the play will look drastically different.”

“Because of this, [student choreographer] Naliah Hernandez, our Associate Director RyLea Clark and I are all creating significant imprints on the show, as is each member of the cast and the designers as well,” Sabo said.

The production incorporates a variety of design styles, music, props and innovative makeup and choreography, Sabo added.

“We’re taking the creative liberties the script allows,” she said. “I’m steering the ship, but we’re all deciding together on the route. It’s been a pleasure to be that collaborative with our talented students in Theatre and Dance.”

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