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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: Olympus

Act 2: Olympus

Photo Tim Bates

Act 4: Underworld

Act 4: Underworld

Photo Tim Bates

Act 4: The walk out

Act 4: The walk out

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 3: Underworld Bedroom

Act 3: Underworld Bedroom

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 4: Underworld forest

Act 4: Underworld forest

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 4: Underworld Party

Act 4: Underworld Party

Act 1: Earth

Act 1: Earth

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 4: Underworld Party

Act 4: Underworld Party

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 2: Olympus

Act 2: Olympus

Photo Tim Bates

Act 1: Earth

Act 1: Earth

Photo Tim Bates

Act 4: Underworld Party

Act 4: Underworld Party

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Olympus

Olympus

Photo: Maya Michele Fein

Act 4: Underworld Party

Act 4: Underworld Party

Photo Tim Bates

Act 1: Earth

Act 1: Earth

Photo: 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.

© 2025 Maya Michele Fein.

Currently under renovations during Spring 2025

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