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Actress with suitcase and umbrella stands in stage doorway, rain backdrop

Eurydice: Love and Loss in the Underworld

Corlew Karla

Georgy Deliyev directs a captivating comedy penned by Boris Barsky, showcasing the talented ensemble of the renowned Mask Show theater. “The Jew and Eurydice” emerges as a delightful spectacle, weaving together humor, music, and dance into a vibrant celebration of joy and sunny dispositions.

A Marriage Tested by Time

The narrative humorously explores the long-married life of Yevrei and Eurydice, a couple who, despite their mutual aversion, find life without one another unimaginable. Their existence is punctuated by endless bickering, laughable disputes, and the occasional mystical intervention. A jest about leaving or worse, ending the life of a spouse, underscores the play’s exploration of love’s complexity, hinting at the truth that often lies in jest.

An Unlikely Journey Through Hell and Back

In a whimsical twist, Yevrei’s exasperated wish to be rid of Eurydice is taken literally, catapulting her to the underworld. What follows is Yevrei’s unexpected journey through euphoria to deep loneliness, showcasing the unpredictable nature of desire and companionship. His desperate pleas for Eurydice’s return underscore a poignant realization: the chaos of their union is irreplaceable.

  • Initially, Yevrei revels in his newfound freedom, exploring the silence that had once seemed an impossible dream. His days are filled with the activities he believed were hindered by his tumultuous relationship;
  • However, as days turn into weeks, the euphoria fades into a muted realization of isolation. The laughter and arguments, once deemed overwhelming, now echo as a testament to a vibrant life now absent;
  • He seeks solace in familiar places they once frequented together, but these spaces now serve as haunting reminders of Eurydice’s absence. The places that once thrived with their shared energy now stand desolate, imbued with a sense of loss;
  • In a moment of desperation, Yevrei ventures to the edge of the underworld, hoping to appeal to the entities that govern the realms beyond. His pleas, filled with remorse and longing, resonate through the still air, a stark contrast to the chaos he once wished away;
  • The journey back to the living world is marked by a series of trials, each a reflection of the complexities of human emotion and desire. These trials test Yevrei’s resolve, forcing him to confront the true depth of his feelings for Eurydice;
  • Upon his return, Yevrei is transformed, carrying with him the wisdom gained from his odyssey. The reunion with Eurydice is not just a return to the status quo but a new chapter, one where the chaos of their union is not just tolerated but cherished;
  • Their story becomes a legend, a reminder of the intricate dance between love and freedom, chaos and tranquility. It serves as a testament to the unpredictable journey of the heart, and the enduring nature of true companionship.

A Return to Familiar Turmoil

Miraculously, Eurydice is brought back, and with her return, the familiar cycle of disputes and disagreements resumes, symbolizing the inevitable return to normalcy. The performance is enriched with original music, live sounds, and dynamic choreography by the “Ritual services” dance ensemble, featuring the entire main cast of the “Masks” theater.

Stellar Cast and Artistic Excellence

The play stars People’s Artist of Ukraine Borys Barsky as Orpheus, Honored Artist of Ukraine Natalia Buzko as Eurydika, and features People’s Artist of Ukraine Heorhiy Deliev (or Ihor Malakhov) in a pivotal role. The “Ritual dance trio” includes Oleksandr Postolenka, Mykhailo Voloshyn, and Igor Malakhov (or Oleg Savchenko), adding to the show’s artistic flair.

“The Jew and Eurydice” stands as a testament to the enduring allure of comedy in exploring the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of artistic brilliance and performed by a cast of distinguished talents.