Hadestown: Teen Edition at Opelika Center for the Performing Arts

Hadestown is an innovative retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, inspired by a post-apocalyptic New Orleans French Quarter-style setting. Infused with Blues, Jazz, Dixieland and modern American folk music, the show begins with Hermes, whose task it is to guide us through the tragic tale of these poor young lovers. After true love blossoms despite the bleak poverty of their circumstances, Eurydice is seduced by Hades to work in his underground factory (aka Hadestown) that would offer 'comfort and stability'. On discovering her cruel fate, Orpheus decides to journey to this industrial underworld to face Hades and retrieve his soulmate. The only problem is that Eurydice has signed a contract and now belongs to Hades. However, Persephone, who spends part of the year above ground issuing in the summer and the other part of the year as Hades' lover and Lady of the Underground, is moved by Orpheus and Eurydice's love for one another and persuades Hades to let Eurydice leave.

Faced with the dilemma of either making a martyr of her or risking his own authoritarian control over Hadestown, Hades agrees to let Eurydice go... but on one condition. Orpheus must lead the way above ground and Eurydice must follow behind. But if Orpheus gives in to doubt and insecurity and looks behind at any point to see if she still follows, then she will belong to Hades and remain in Hadestown forever.