Orpheus in the Underworld
By Jacques Offenbach
Baldwin Wallace Opera
Spring 2025
Directed by: Kaley Karis Smith
Costume Design: Tesia Dugan Benson
Scenic Design: Lindsay Webster
Lighting Design: Maya Michele Fein
Photography: Tim Bates & Maya Michele Fein
![]() Act 2: OlympusPhoto Tim Bates | ![]() Act 4: UnderworldPhoto Tim Bates | ![]() Act 4: The walk outPhoto: Maya Michele Fein |
---|---|---|
![]() Act 3: Underworld BedroomPhoto: Maya Michele Fein | ![]() Act 4: Underworld forestPhoto: Maya Michele Fein | ![]() Act 4: Underworld Party |
![]() Act 1: EarthPhoto: Maya Michele Fein | ![]() Act 4: Underworld PartyPhoto: Maya Michele Fein | ![]() Act 2: OlympusPhoto Tim Bates |
![]() Act 1: EarthPhoto Tim Bates | ![]() Act 4: Underworld PartyPhoto: Maya Michele Fein | ![]() OlympusPhoto: Maya Michele Fein |
![]() Act 4: Underworld PartyPhoto Tim Bates | ![]() Act 1: EarthPhoto: Maya Michele Fein |
Although based on the famous Orpheus myth, Offenbach has satirised the story, turning it on its head for his operetta.
Unlike the tragic tale of love and loss that many of us know, in this version, Orpheus is in fact glad to be rid of his deceased wife, who has been having an affair with Pluto.
When Eurydice ends up in the underworld, Public Opinion forces the reluctant Orpheus to rescue his wife. Jupiter states Orpheus can retrieve Eurydice from the underworld, so long as he does not turn to look back at her. On their way out, however, Jupiter (who has since fallen in love with Eurydice) lets loose a lightning bolt, causing Orpheus to jump and look back. Eurydice vanishes back into the underworld and everyone (except Public Opinion) is thrilled with the result.