Thank you all so much for coming tonight/today.
I also want to express my gratitude to all of the actors who took part in bringing this show to the stage. I think that people sometimes get an idea of what educational theatre is (at the high school level). However, at PoHi, we offer a full range of theatre classes including Acting and Tech. We are growing exponentially as people begin to realize that we aren't "just doing the Junior/Senior Play" for fun. Our actors have worked hard to bring these characters to life for you, more than just memorizing their lines. Our tech crews have learned some sewing, built props and parts of the set, as well as our usual construction. Make no mistake, this is hard work.
With the popularity of Hades Town on Broadway, I'm sure most everyone is familiar with the Greek Mythological story of Eurydice and Orpheus. However, this time, this story is told from a completely different person's point of view. This, is Eurydice's story-- not Orpheus'.
The very prolific playwright, Sarah Ruhl, who penned this script, wrote it soon after she lost her father after a two-year battle with Cancer. It is meant as a kind of love letter to her father.
I love this script. It is timely and popular at the moment, yes, but I love it for other reasons. First of all, it is Eurydice's story, not anyone else's. Other versions of this story tend to overlook her side of the story altogether for the tragedy of poor Orpheus losing his wife to death, twice. Very few have ever questioned why he looked back at the last minute--just that he did. Even fewer have asked what happened to Eurydice when she returned to the Underworld the second time. This play does just that-- but it's also an homage to the only man in Eurydice's life who didn't fail her. Her father.
Being blessed with such a father myself, I KNOW how Eurydice feels about him. This script has become deeply personal for me. I too have lost my father after a battle with cancer. He was far and away the greatest man I have ever known. Indeed, he never failed me either. I love him, and I miss him every day.
The love between a Father and Daughter is unlike any other love story we know of. It is complicated and adjusts and changes throughout the life of both the daughter and her dad. Everyone changes. People grow up. People grow old. Oftentimes these relationships come full circle with the daughter taking on the role of the caregiver. It's important to understand that dynamic, while a sacrifice, is also a great joy. Not often do people get the chance to return the blessings of good parenting. Not often does anyone get the chance to prove their love to anyone with such unquestioning truthfulness.
I know not everyone has a great father. As a single mom myself, I can also sympathize with the weight of trying to give your children that person in their lives. Everyone needs someone who loves them without measure, without expectations, without resentment and with a joy that is unmatched in the world. It is my prayer that everyone has someone like that.
My father was that man for my daughters, as well as for me.
This production is my love letter to him.
Thanks again for coming.
Amelia Z. Hensley
