The 2003 play “Eurydice” will be performed on Oct. 3-5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre in the basement of the Petersen Fine Arts building. 

The show, a modernized retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, was directed by associate professor of theater, Rusty Ruth and will star Wayne State College students. 

The myth tells the story of a loving couple who are separated when Eurydice dies and her husband, Orpheus, fails to retrieve her from the Underworld.  

The play deals with themes of grief and death as well as the love between a parent and a child. It is mainly told from Eurydice’s perspective as she reconnects with her dead father in the afterlife. 

WSC typically puts on two productions every semester. Aside from “Eurydice,” students are currently rehearsing for “Hearts Like Fists,” a superhero comedy show written by Adam Szymkowicz and directed by Mollie Young. 

Ruth has been involved with theater at Wayne State for six years. He said he chose to direct “Eurydice” this semester because of the play and myth’s cultural prominence.  

“Eurydice has allusions to classic Greece, not only to the mythology, but the theater,” Ruth said. “We have such a strong talent pool here that we thought they could handle that type of show.” 

WSC’s production of “Eurydice” has a total of 14 students in the cast. The show stars Ashly Gunderson in the titular role, Evald Brodd as Orpheus and Eve Gilmore as Eurydice’s father. Madison Dvorak is working as the stage manager for this production. 

Ruth said he was excited to share this production with the students, staff, faculty and community.  

“It’s a unique experience,” Ruth said. “It’s a heartwarming and heart-aching story that I think people will really be engaged with. Hopefully they take the message and understand the preciousness of life.” 

The cast of “Eurydice” have been rehearsing since the second week of classes. Gracie Hinz, a cast member of the play, said she encouraged students and community members to come view the show.  

“We’ve put so much work into it, and it’s a story that I think a lot of people can relate to if you’ve ever had someone pass,” Hinz said. 

Tickets for “Eurydice” are free for students, staff and faculty at WSC, or $5 for general admissions.