ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD Arrives at Rockdale Opera Company

Rockdale Opera Company presents Orpheus in the Underworld: Opera Féerie By Jacques Offenbach.

With an original libretto by Hector Crémieux and Ludovac Halevy and now directed by Ralph Bott and orchestrated by Jon Smith, this version is based on 2nd version, of 1874. The sub-title is Opera Féerie which translates as "extravaganza", and in 1874 it was an absolute extravaganza. The cast was comprised of 42 named principals; 100 choristers (men, women and children), and sufficient dancers for four Grand Ballets (10 Principals, 16 corphees and 60 dames des corps de ballet) ... A grand total of 228 performers Offenbach's comic, bitingly satirical, witty and occasionally "naughty" parody of the tragic Orpheus legend involving the Mount Olympus Gods of classical Greek mythology is a farcical, merry romp that has delighted audiences the world over since its Paris premiere in 1858.

This operetta was condemned by the critics of the time for lampooning a number of cherished beliefs, namely the stilted acting style of the Comedie Francais, the composer Gluck, who was revered by the Paris opera-going classes, classical mythology itself, and the scandals in society and politics during the 2nd Empire under Napoleon III. In fact, Napoleon III was the role model for Jupiter, insofar as Napoleon was notorious for his "petites distractions" with women from most classes - especially if they were pretty. Mythically speaking, Orpheus was one of only four humans who ventured into Hade and returned, with Odysseus, Aeneas and Heracles being the other three. It should be noted that in Classical Greek tradition, the Underworld / Hades is not Hell. It was traditionally believed to be beneath the earth's surface, but it merely was the place where the souls of all the dead were consigned. The concept of Hell, as we in the West understand it today is a much later one.

The story in a nutshell: Eurydice hates her husband Orpheus and the feelings are mutual. She is having an affair with The Farmer Aristaeus. Eurydice is bitten by a snake and dies - but not before Aristaeus reveals his true identity, at which news Eurydice is delighted! Pluto whisks her off to live with him in Hades. Orpheus is overjoyed at his newfound freedom. Public Opinion is outraged. The gods stage an intervention. Pluto is ordered to return Eurydice. The gods go to the underworld to ensure the decree is carried out, not before they themselves revolt against Jupiter's hypocrisy and his own philandering ways. How is Eurydice finding life in Hades? Does Orpheus get her back? Does Jupiter get up to his old amorous tricks? • What nasty surprises do the gods have in store for Orpheus? AND.... what has all this got to do with the CAN-CAN?

Venue: Rockdale Town Hall, Princes Highway

Rockdale Performance dates: Saturday 30th July, Sunday 31st July, Saturday 6th August and Sunday 7th August

Performance times: 2.00 pm and 7.30 pm

Reservations: www.rockdaleopera.com.au; phone: 02 4730 6932

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