Hadestown

This week’s blog is dedicated to a show that not many people have heard of based on the poll. It’s called Hadestown. Hadestown is the fourth album by Anais Mitchell, and it follows the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The show is about Orpheus who has to save his wife Eurydice from Hades.

Act 1

The show opens in a depression era post-apocalyptic setting. The show opens with the three Fates describing the setting and introduce the characters. The next scene leaves Orpheus and Eurydice, who introduce themselves to each other. He wants to marry her, but she is hesitant because they both live in poverty, but he says his music can provide for her.

Next Orpheus tells us the story of Hades and Persephone. Persephone enters to celebrate the summer with Orpheus and Eurydice. He makes a toast and expresses hope for his future with Eurydice.

Winter comes and a train comes to take Persephone back to Hadestown. The other two watch as she voices her misery at having to return to the factory. Orpheus condemns Hade's treatment of his workers. Eurydice is intrigued, and as Winter progresses Eurydice urges Orpheus to work so they have food and shelter. At the same time, Persephone and Hades have a fight.

Hades leaves the Factory and comes across Eurydice. Orpheus is working on his music, so Eurydice follows Hades to the factory.

Act 2

Act 2 opens with Persephone introducing her band, and serving drinks to the audience. Eurydice sees the true consequences of her actions by entering Hadestown. She can never leave unless Hades lets her go.

Orpheus has made his way down to Hadestown after following Hermes. Eurydice and the Fates say that she is bounded by Hades. The fates say that Orpheus should give up trying to save Eurydice. Persephone tells Hades to let Eurydice go after being touched by Orpheus’ s music.

Hermes explains the decision to Orpheus and Eurydice who discuss their doubts. Orpheus begins to walk out of Hadestown with Eurydice following him. By following him she has been condemned to Hadestown forever.

Albums

There are two the one Anais made, and the live one that came out recently.