One of the wonderful things about theatre is the variety of experiences it allows. While some may hear the word ‘theatre’ and immediately imagine bright lights and upbeat songs, it is experiences like NextStop Theatre’s production of Eurydice that remind us of the art form’s versatility. The unique design elements, talented actors, and wonderfully bizarre poetic script all bring the show’s setting, the Underworld of Greek myth, to life.

The plot of the show follows the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice; they get married, Eurydice is killed and goes to the underworld, Orpheus attempts to bring her back, he fails, and she stays in the underworld forever. However, this particular version of the myth, written by acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl, focuses on Eurydice rather than Orpheus, showing us her journey in the underworld and meeting with her dead father.

The real star of the show, however, is the design. Eurydice has long been hailed as a playground for set designers, and NextStop’s designer JD Madsen does not disappoint. The underworld is made to feel almost more like a dilapidated Wonderland than Hell, with multiple levels, faucets spilling water, and nets that cover the walls. In the very center of the set is a spiral path that leads to a pool of water, used in the show as the river Styx. The actors interact with the set in a variety of ways; Eurydice adds a red ribbon to highlight her ‘room,’ and the denizens of the underworld spend the show knitting the nets on the walls as they watch the drama unfold. The sound design of the show, too, creates the mystical atmosphere of the show. From the minute you walk into the theatre, sounds designer Kenny Neal mixes dripping water, distant echoes, and strange, high-pitched tones to give the illusion of an underground, alien realm.

Although each actor tackled the poetry of the show well and gave fantastic performances, special mention must be made for the Stones, the denizens of the underworld that harass Eurydice and serve as an unconventional sort of Greek chorus. “The Stones are professionally trained in Viewpoints, a movement technique coined by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau”, said Lindsey Jacobson, an Oakton student who spoke with director Jay D. Brock. “The technique allows a more open-minded and dynamic style of performance where the actors utilize the sets as if they are another actor. I think that the use of a very dynamic and unique set not only benefited the actors in using this method of acting, but it created a sense of wonderment and awe.” Apart from just their movements, the Stones’ harsh voices and tattered clothes added to the dark, foreign environment of the play.

NextStop Theatre has succeeded in bringing the world of the dead to life in a weird and wonderful way. Eurydice closes on Nov. 20 — don’t miss your chance to see it!