The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will showcase its fall production of “Eurydice” Oct. 16-20 in the Haislip Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts. 

The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16; Thursday, Oct. 17; Friday, Oct. 18; and Saturday, Oct. 19, as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. 

“Eurydice” is a postmodern retelling of the classical myth of the legendary Greek hero, Orpheus, from the perspective of his beloved Eurydice. The young couple’s time together is cut short when Eurydice is killed on their wedding day. Her journey to the Underworld and Orpheus’ subsequent pursuit to reclaim her has been celebrated in art and music for centuries. 

Written by Sarah Ruhl in 2003, “Eurydice” is dedicated to her father who died when she was 20. Ruhl said the play was her way of experiencing more conversations with him.  She describes an affinity for the way that personal stories can be articulated through the architecture of myth and that the very epicness of myth can frame stories that are smaller and more personal. 

Eurydice’s presence in the Underworld provides a deeply intimate and moving counterpoint to Orpheus and his quest to find Eurydice from the mortal realm. When the personal and the epic collide, Eurydice must choose between a father’s love and her beloved.  

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for UA Little Rock employees, students, seniors, and members of the military. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Center for Performing Arts Room 130 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the box office at 501-569-3456 for ticket reservations.

In the upper right photo, Selena Mykenzie Gordon will star as Eurydice. The image is courtesy of Melissa Dooley Photography.