The Berkeley High School production of “Hadestown: Teen Edition” took place in the BHS Little Theater, on an extravagant stage with a unique set. The audience was completely full, and even from the back of the theater the view was striking.
The show began with an energetic opening song, immediately immersing the audience in the story. The chorus cast took up the whole stage and left the audience intrigued and excited for the story to begin.
“Hadestown” is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It follows the romance between the two poor young people searching for an escape from poverty. “It has a lot of really interesting, relevant things that could reflect the political climate of today,” Hades’ actor, BHS sophomore Kirby Duncan, said.
The costuming was meticulously designed to reflect the characters. Although the story takes place in Ancient Greece, it is very relevant in its commentary on capitalism and climate change. Gitty Duncan is the wonderful guest artist who coached the costume team. “There’s a reference in the play to rattlesnake versus songbird. So (Hades) sort of embodies the vicious snake holding everybody in the underworld. And as his character changes and more of his personality is revealed, little by little he sheds his clothing like a snake, sheds his skin,” Gitty Duncan said.
Student producer Lev Goldmiller said, “You can draw a lot of parallels of Hades’ ethos to our current government right now.” The reference to current politics was a large part of the performance.
After the opening scene, Orpheus and Eurydice are introduced, and at this point their characters appear lost and hopeless. In addition to the acting, the set design and props were remarkable; for instance, Persephone descended from a train that actually moved. The effort put into staging was evident, particularly in the use of symmetry which brought unity to the workers in the chorus.
The music was elaborate, it played through almost the whole show and directly matched the tone of the story, whether a scene was upbeat or more somber.
Students and staff also put in much effort behind the scenes to actualize the production. “Last year I got to act in Urinetown and I don’t think I realized all of the things that were happening behind the scenes,” Goldmiller said.
Every line was delivered perfectly. The show had a unique mix of comedy interwoven in a generally sad story. “Hadestown: Teen Edition” was a wonderful showcase of talent and skill at BHS, something to be cherished and for the cast and crew to be proud of.
BHS sophomore actor Charlotte Donaldson said, “It’s comforting that we continue to tell this story always with the hope that it will end differently, and that even if we reach the end and it doesn’t, spring will still come again.”