The Descent of Orpheus Synopsis

Written by Marshall Pynkoski

Act One

The inhabitants of Arcadia prepare to celebrate the wedding of the poet/musician Orpheus and his lover Eurydice. Their joy and anticipation is expressed in ravishing music making and dancing that is mirrored by the luxurious setting. The Arcadians are joined by Eurydice, who gathers flowers to make a wedding wreath for Orpheus.

While gathering blossoms, Eurydice is bitten by a poisonous snake. Orpheus hears her scream and races into the scene in time for Eurydice to die in his arms.

Overwhelmed by his loss, Orpheus prepares to take his own life but is stopped by his father Apollo, who encourages Orpheus to use his lyre and the power of music to gain admittance to Hades and to charm Pluto and Persephone into allowing him to bring Eurydice back to Earth.

Intermission

Act Two

Orpheus arrives in Hades, where he sees Tantalus, Ixion and Tityus being tormented as punishment for offending the gods. His music relieves these and the other captives of hell of their suffering.

Orpheus’ music seduces Pluto and Persephone, and he is given permission to return to Arcadia with Eurydice but with the stipulation that he must not gaze into her eyes until they have reached Earth’s surface.

The return to Earth is accompanied by poignant choruses and dancing in which the denizens of hell bid the lovers goodbye, but at the last moment, Orpheus, unable to master his emotions, impetuously turns to embrace Eurydice. As a result, the two are separated forever.

Orpheus is left in a heartrending limbo due to his excess of love and passion.