The timeless tale of love and sacrifice, *Orpheus and Eurydice*, will come to life in a spectacular production that merges circus and opera. Presented by **Circa** and **Opera Australia**, this innovative adaptation will be showcased at Melbourne’s **Regent Theatre** from **December 2 to 5, 2023**. The show has previously captivated audiences in Brisbane, Sydney, and Edinburgh.
The story, rooted in ancient Greek mythology, follows the tragic love between Orpheus and Eurydice. When Eurydice dies and descends to the underworld, Orpheus embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve her. He is granted a single chance to bring her back, but with a daunting condition: he must not look back at her until they escape hell. As **Billie Wilson-Coffey**, an acrobat in the production, explains, “The one rule is that he can go and get her, but he can’t turn around and look at her, otherwise she will die.”
Reimagining a Classic Tale
This version of *Orpheus and Eurydice* presents a stark reimagining of the myth, set in an asylum. Wilson-Coffey describes the production as “really stark,” emphasizing its exploration of universal themes of love and desire. Fellow acrobat **Lachlan Sukroo** adds, “Orpheus’s journey is quite powerful, and people … you want him to be able to succeed. It comes from an unselfish place.”
Both performers honed their skills at the **National Institute of Circus Arts** in Melbourne, where they explored various circus arts. Wilson-Coffey specializes in aerial silks, which will feature prominently in the production. “It’s nice to be back here,” she says, reflecting on the significance of returning to her roots. Sukroo notes the excitement of reconnecting with former coaches and the local circus community after years of touring.
The performance will feature 11 acrobats from Circa, accompanied by 28 members of the Opera Australia chorus and two principal artists. “Circa’s goal or mission is to push the boundaries of circus and the ways that it can be presented and represented,” Sukroo explains. The production aims to visually convey the characters’ emotional experiences, with the acrobats embodying aspects of Orpheus’s psyche and representing Eurydice.
The Enduring Relevance of Love and Loss
Despite its ancient origins, the story of *Orpheus and Eurydice* remains remarkably relevant. Wilson-Coffey attributes its timeless appeal to its exploration of love intertwined with tragedy and loss. “It’s a full circle of every human emotion that we experience through life and through death,” she states.
The collaboration between Circa and Opera Australia promises to deliver a unique theatrical experience that blends the physicality of circus with the emotional depth of opera. As audiences prepare for this limited season, the production stands as a testament to the enduring power of love stories that transcend time.
*Orpheus and Eurydice* will be performed at the Regent Theatre from **December 2 to 5, 2023**.
