ORPHEUS
The strongest reason why I picked the Orpheus-theme is that this piece
of Stravinsky is extremely contradictory: it is delicate and powerful
at the same time. It is a musical masterpiece, that offers the
choreographer a broad scope for interpretation.
The Orpheus-myth symbolizes unconditional love. Eurydice is taken to
the underworld, which can also be interpreted so, that it is her own
inner darkness she goes down to. But Orpheus’ immense vitality enables
him to drag her out of the depths of her depression.
But Orpheus starts having doubts: he looks back to make sure if it is
really Eurydice following him, or perhaps to make sure if she is the
same Eurydice he loves.
Losing confidence in his loved one and in himself, the sudden fear
overcoming him, and the shattering of his so far unconditional faith
make him lose the love of his life.
Unlike usual endings I will not end my piece with the apotheosis of
Orpheus, I want to leave him there lonely, being totally deprived of
his love, having wasted his only chance away for good.
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is a story of us, since unfortunately
we are hardly ever able to love and trust each other unconditionally.
Myriam Naisy
