Melbourne Shakespeare Company presents a lyrical reimagining of Eurydice

Melbourne Shakespeare Company will present Eurydice by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl, directed by multi–award-winning director Gary Abrahams, at fortyfivedownstairs, from 28 May 2026.

Following a string of acclaimed, sold-out seasons including Othello (2025), Hamlet (2024) and Julius Caesar (2023), the company returns with one of the most celebrated contemporary plays of the 21st century, a visually rich, emotionally resonant reimagining of the Orpheus myth.

With the story of Orpheus and Eurydice recently captivating audiences through the global success of Hadestown and Opera Australia’s critically acclaimed Orpheus & Eurydice at the Regent Theatre last year, this new staging offers a rare chance to experience the myth in its most intimate and poetic form. An epic story told up close.

At its heart, Eurydice is not just a love story, but a deeply moving exploration of the bond between a daughter and her father, a tender and unexpected lens on grief, memory and what we choose to hold onto.

Artistic Director Jennifer Sarah Dean was drawn to Eurydice following her time as Resident Director on Hadestown, where she fell in love with the enduring power of this myth.

“Working on Hadestown reminded me just how timeless and devastating this story is. When I revisited Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, I knew instantly this was the version I wanted to bring to Melbourne, the writing is extraordinary.”

Dean also knew immediately that Gary Abrahams was the only director to helm the production. “Gary has this extraordinary ability to balance theatrical imagination with emotional truth. His work is visually inventive, but always deeply human, exactly what this play demands.”

Following an open casting call that attracted hundreds of submissions, the production brings together some of Melbourne’s most sought-after performers including Aisha Aidara (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Eurydice, Tomáš Kantor (The Inheritance) as Orpheus, and Devon Braithwaite (Hadestown) as The Lord of the Underworld.

Featuring an original score by composer Grace Ferguson, one of Melbourne’s most exciting and in-demand contemporary music artists. An APRA Award finalist and Sydney Theatre Award winner for Best Original Score (On the Beach, Sydney Theatre Company). Her work for Eurydice builds a haunting, immersive sonic landscape where music and memory intertwine.

Eurydice is a rare opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated modern plays on a Melbourne stage, this strictly limited season is expected to sell fast.

Director: Gary Abrahams | Featuring: Aisha Aidara, Devon Braithwaite, Joshua Gordon, Tomáš Kantor, Miles Paras, Fran Sweeney-Nash, John Voce | Set & Costume Designer: Nathan Burmeister | Lighting Designer: Spencer Herd | Composer & Musical Director: Grace Ferguson | Sound & AV Designer: Justin Gardam | Artistic Director: Jennifer Sarah Dean | Producer & Production Stage Manager: Seamus Allan