Orpheus in the Underworld

According to Greek legend, Orpheus went down to the underworld, where he persuaded Hades to let him have back his wife Eurydice. Hades told him that she would follow him back to Earth so long as he did not look back. He did look back and he lost her again.

Offenbach’s Operetta Orpheus in the Underworld varies the story: Orpheus has no desire for Eurydice but the underworld is a wonderful place full of enjoyment where everybody dances the Can-Can. And although he turns back, well, the ending is not quite the same as the legend.

Surrey Opera will present the opera in a modern English translation. It will be conducted by the artistic director, Jonathan Butcher and directed by Mark Hathaway.