Hadestown is a Broadway musical written by singer-songwriter and folk musician Anais Mitchell. An adaptation of her 2010 concept album of the same name, it tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in a post-apocalyptic world in which humans survive by utilizing the gods of ancient Greek mythology. Set largely in a factory town known as “Hadestown,” the musical weaves a timeless tale of ambition, love, loss, and resilience, as Persephone and Hades try to resist the inevitable pull of the seasons.
What Is the Plot?
The musical focuses on Orpheus and Eurydice’s dubious journey to Hadestown as they search for a better life and love. Along their way, they face gods, demons and sirens, and are accompanied by other humans such as Hermes and Poseidon, as well as Amphitrite, the Queen of the Sea.
In Hadestown, Eurydice and Orpheus discover their true selves, as well as a better life. But it’s not long before evil forces from the underworld arrive and challenge them. Hades and Persephone, rulers of the underworld, use the seasonal cycle to keep workers in the factory compliant in their lengthy shifts, stripping them of their dreams, passions, and ultimately their lives.
Orpheus, who is gifted with his music and craft, uses his talents to defeat the harsh conditions of Hadestown, while Eurydice fights to bring light to the darkness that surrounds her. Nevertheless, it is not until they both work together that they are able to overcome Hades and Persephone, and escape the town in pursuit of their dreams.
Featuring music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown was first performed off-Broadway in 2016 and has since taken the Broadway world by storm. It won eight Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Direction, and Best Orchestrations. Its success is proof that a simple story of true love, as old as time, can still bring people joy and hope.
As Michael Feiner, music director of Hadestown, explains,
“Hadestown is a testament to the power of love and the strength of hope. It speaks to our fascination with the underworld and the power of the gods and goddesses who live there. But it also champions the power and fortitude of those who battle to survive and ultimately, to overcome.”
Hadestown is a modern-day classic, with a timeless story and incredible music that continues to linger in the hearts and minds of theatergoers long after the curtain has fallen. It shares a powerful message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity, inspiring its audience to believe that anything is possible.
References
https://www.mtishows.com/hadestown/
https://www.broadway.com/shows/hadestown/
https://variety.com/2019/legit/news/hadestown-rachel-chavkin-anastasia-papadopoulous-1203300507/