Yuridisi: Presenting the Parallel Metamorphoses of the Mythological Eurydice and the Filipino Woman in Motion through Performance

Author: Jamie Eliana Papa

Field of Study: Theatre

Faculty Mentors: Elizabeth Mozer

Easel: 3

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: The historically underdeveloped Eurydice of the myth ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’ (O&E) had events like the birth and development of opera and feminism lead to O&E becoming the place of her metamorphosis through contextualization and the emergence of Eurydice-centric plots. The creative acting thesis ‘Yuridisi’ itself adapted O&E with Eurydice as a Filipino, as there are parallels that exist between Eurydice’s struggle with love, power, and independence and Filipino women’s narratives against the backdrop of colonialism and immigration. ‘Yuridisi’ took modern and contemporary theatrical adaptations such as Anaïs Mitchell’s ‘Hadestown’ and Jean Anouilh’s ‘Eurydice’, with different Orphei portraying a respective Orpheus characterization alongside either the Spanish or American colonization or the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. This thesis employed Eurydice’s engagement with the chosen plays and musicals also through translation, code-switching, and meaningful artistic choices that represented Eurydice and her metamorphosing spirit that never stays still.