The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is probably one of the most romantic myths ever told. It is a passionate tale about love found and love lost.
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is probably one of the most romantic myths ever told. It is a passionate tale about love found and love lost.
A timeless story that is both beautiful and tragic. Orpheus is a young musician who, by playing only one note on his lyre, could charm the world and win the heart of his love, Eurydice; only to lose her forever to the underworld.
In last week’s production at the Rhodes Theatre by St Andrew’s College and the Diocesan School for Girls, Orpheus swopped his lyre for a guitar in an avant garde presentation of this classical story.
Yet the relevance of this passionate tale proved to be as pertinent today as when it was first told. With the use of digital technology, projected images and a minimalist set, directors Sheena Stannard and Sarah Seymour gave this timeless classic a modern day charisma that was both appealing and soulful.
Even though there were brief moments in the play when the cast struggled to be audible in the cavernous auditorium of the theatre, the magic on the stage hardly ever disappeared.
The almost 50-strong cast succeeded magnificently to allow their delightful take of this story to resonate in the hearts of their audiences. Orpheus and Eurydice was presented as a double bill with Hermien Potgieter’s Magpie Love(d), also exploring the theme of love through dance.
Potgieter’s collage of nine pieces was a brilliant and energetic kaleidoscope of talent and skill. After a soulful and reflective first half, her contribution to the second half of the evening’s entertainment drew enthusiastic responses from the youthful audience.
Stannard, Seymour and Potgieter are undoubtly outstanding artists in their own right. However, it their ability to take their artistry and offer it to their pupils with love and vision and thus allow the youngsters to collaborate in the creative process is what makes them outstanding teachers.
Most important is that their love for the arts will have empowered the learners to understand and to respond to the human condition with a deeper sensitivity.
Last week’s performance was a celebration. It was a remarkable testimony of how schools can combine creativity and academics.
That is the kind of love that once found in this world never gets lost. We take it with us to the underworld! Artfully speaking, there is no doubt that theirs is a labour of love.
