Orpheus is a circus theatre retelling of the Ancient Greek myth Orpheus in the underworld. On the day of their wedding, Orpheus and his bride Eurydice are separated by death, and he journeys to the underworld to win her back from Hades, the god of death. With the help of Hermes, god of travellers, he meets the Ferryman, the three-headed Cerberus, and the ghostly Shades – but even gods can’t overcome the Fates….
Originally conceived of by Sarah in 2010, Orpheus underwent a long gestation before its theatrical debut in 2013, in a circus big top on the front lawns of the University of Sydney. Presented and performed by SURCAS, the university’s circus troupe with which Sarah has had a long affiliation, the work was also her writing, directing and choreographic debut.
Orpheus received both critical and audience acclaim. It was awarded the University of Sydney Union “Best Major Event” award for 2013.
For a review of the show, see Honi Soit, where it was described as “…the most ambitious and dangerous piece of theatre you’re likely to see on campus.”
For photos of the show, see gallery.
