Summary

After a transition that offers the audience glimpses of various myths, a Narrator starts telling the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, who had “the unluckiest of wedding days” (41). Action then portrays the events of that day – as Orpheus and Eurydice marry ("the chandelier is fully illuminated") (41), Eurydice is bitten by a poisonous snake; dies; and is carried off into the underworld.

A new Narrator appears, steps into the pool, and continues the story as various aspects of the Underworld – Hades and Persephone, and The Fates) appear. The story, as this Narrator tells it, is Ovid’s version: Orpheus goes to the Underworld, pleads with the god Hades for Eurydice’s release (he is showered in water as he does so), and receives his wish – on condition that as they leave the underworld, Orpheus may not look back. If he does...