Eurydice‘s captivating dialogue and eerie ambiance will provide an evening of entertainment and inevitable discussion.

Based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the performance explores themes of memory, love and death. This version tells the story from Eurydice’s point of view as she dies and her lover, Orpheus, travels to Hell rescue her. Eurydice finds her father in the underworld and must decide between the two men she cares about most. The Department of Theatre’s production of Eurydice delivers a unique story that will leave audiences intrigued.

Emily Rankin, senior theatre major from Abilene and director of the play, earned her role in the show early last semester. Auditions took place at the end of the semester, and rehearsals began on the first day of school in January.

Originally planned to open on Feb. 10, the show’s opening night was delayed after inclement weather resulted in missing almost a full week’s worth of rehearsals and set work.

“The set is really demanding. The play uses a lot of height and depth imagery,” Rankin said. “We have the image of the overworld versus the underworld, and then we have things that are called for, like the elevator. It has been a challenge, but it has also been exciting to get to work with such a unique set.”

Coves, mountains and river banks made out of aluminum mesh screen create eerie curves that catch and release light. A majestic working elevator amongst rain and pools of water hints the promise of mysticism.

The small, yet skilled cast seems completely settled into their characters. Laura Wetsel, senior theatre major from Fort Worth, and Nick Palmiere, junior theatre major from Amarillo, who play Eurydice and Orpheus, respectively, enchant the audience as characters who have loved and lost each other.

Sebastian Karlsson, senior theatre major from Stangsmala, Sweden, portrays the Lord of the Underworld, an unsettling villain who feeds off the desperation of others. Josh Tumblin, senior theatre major from Nashville, Tenn.; Ashley Kelly, junior theatre major from Denton; and Melanie Godsey, junior theatre major from San Antonio, play the three stones. All three effortlessly flow between being unearthly, humorous and poignant.

Finally, Bill Rankin, associate professor of English, depicts Eurydice’s father. His performance tugs at the heart as he wistfully reminisces about his past life.

“I have loved watching this cast discover these characters and these characters’ connections to each other,” Rankin said. “So much of this play is about absence and longing for somebody who is not there. To get to see them discover those moments of connection with each other has been really exciting.”

Amidst all the adept performances, the script steals the show. Written by Sarah Ruhl, Eurydice provides the cast and director with relatable ideas.

“This play asks a lot of interesting questions that I’ve asked for a long time,” Rankin said. “What happens to us after we die? What parts of us can we take with? What parts of us are perishable? Do our thoughts stay with us? Do our memories stay? What part of us makes us, us?”

Wetsel, as a college senior with graduation looming, she and her character struggle with similar personal issues.

“Eurydice is trying to hold on to her youth, but then she is also trying to decide to whether to grow up,” Wetsel said. “It’s the same point I’m at in my life. I’m about to graduate and be on my own. Like her, I have to start making hard decisions.”

The show opens on Thursday at 7:30 p.m and will run through Saturday night. Tickets can be purchased at the Williams Peforming Arts Center Box Office for $12 each.