Avery Beaton
The USC Upstate Theatre department is kicking off its 2025-2026 season with the play Eurydice, performing October 2-5. The play is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, written by Sarah Ruhl.
Set in no particular time, the play presents the well-known myth in a new light. Bringing Eurydice to the forefront of the story and focusing on her relationship with her father in the Underworld after her death.
The cast is entirely Upstate students, including Merideth Hall as Eurydice, Patrick McCuen as Orpheus, and Dee Slade as Father. Other cast members include Rebecca Dickson, Rainey Davidson, and Robert Penniger.
The playwright Sarah Ruhl wrote this play for a writing assignment, being tasked to reimagine a Greek myth. Much of the play was influenced by the death of her father. Ruhl says in an interview with Signature Theatre, “Much of the play was inspired by the attempt to have more conversations with him. Now the grief in this play belongs to other people—those who read or embody the play.”
Laura Rikard, Associate Professor of Theater and director of Eurydice, talks about the importance of grief in the play, saying, “This is a play about a daughter who chooses the underworld over marriage because she’s so sad that she lost her father.”
Dee Slade, a theatre performance major, plays Eurydice’s father, who writes letters to her from the Underworld. Slade talks about what he hopes audiences will take away from the show, saying, “Time can feel long, but it’s short, so make sure that you make the most of your experiences.”
All Upstate performances are open to the public, with discounts for students and faculty. Eurydice is performing in the Humanities and Performing Arts Center in the mainstage theater, with a run time of 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased here.
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