Pittsburgh Opera presents “Orpheus & Eurydice” starting Saturday
For the first-time ever, Pittsburgh Opera is presenting the French opera “Orpheus & Eurydice,” with the first performance set for Saturday.
It is based on the same Greek myth that inspired the Broadway hit “Hadestown,” What is it about? After the death of his beloved Eurydice, Orfeo vows to plunge into the very depths of the Underworld itself to bring her back. Moved by Orfeo’s passion, Amore (Cupid) appears and agrees to aid him in the rescue of his wife so long as he does not look at her until they return to the land of the living again.
With the help of the spirits of the Underworld, Orfeo finds Eurydice in Elysium. But as he guides her to the surface, he knows he cannot look back. Eurydice believes this means he does not love her, and she refuses to take another step until he looks her way.
A free pre-performance talk is planned one hour before each performance. Ticketholders can learn about the composer, the story, and other details about the opera.
It will be staged at the Byham Theater Saturday at 7 p.m. Additional performances are set for Nov 20 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. For information, go online to pittsburghopera.org.