Hadestown blank slate?

I am going to see Hadestown with a blank slate. Is it recommended to know much about greek mythology before for better understanding?

bdn223 said: "I would read up on the ending or at least the point of the story as I was very confused at the ending, as for a great myth it felt like it has no point/moral."

As long as the heroine doesn't end up becoming a tree, I should be OK...

haterobics said: "CT2NYC said: "I think the story would have been spoiled if I read up on it beforehand."

That is the point, though, no? Knowing the myth to better enjoy its musicalization, rather than having to absorb it all?"

It's a simple story, and not that much to absorb.

brdwybuff said: "I am going to see Hadestown with a blank slate. Is it recommended to know much about greek mythology before for better understanding?"

totally not necessary but if you have the time to read up yea why not? Your Playbill includes a who's who in greek mythology section

Updated On: 5/5/19 at 05:01 PM

Someone in a Tree, I respectfully disagree with you. GOT is a melodrama (and a good one, no shame in that) and plot surprises are a primary feature of the form.

I haven't seen the show, but any adaptation of Orpheus/Eurydice is likely to be more akin to a Greek tragedy. The OP is wrong that such myths always have a "moral". S/he's confusing myths with Aesop fables.

However, unless they've greatly changed the original story, the "moral" of Orpheus is akin to that of the Hebrew story of Lot's Wife: "No backsies when you've made a deal with God (or the Gods)."

Here is the Wiki summary of the original myth. No doubt the musical diverges in some ways, but if you know the original, you'll appreciate the changes even more and still enjoy some degree of suspense. Or at least *I* would.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpheus_and_Eurydice

I recommend people know the myth of Hades Persephone as that explanation comes pretty fast in the show (and is not a plot spoiler as it's already happened when the show starts)

Knowing bits and pieces of greek myths deepens your understanding of the show and how stuff is translated (the train 'ticket' to the underworld is two coins because in the original myths two coins were placed on the eyes of the dead to pay the ferryman to take you to the underworld, or how the river styx that the ferryman crossed is now the wall that they are building) but if you don't know you don't miss much.

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is the main plot. If you go in blind you'll be surprised, but if you know ahead of time the story is not lesser for this. The tradition of Greek theatre is for everyone to already know the story going in. It's about the journey, not the destination. (Compare to Hamilton's opening song including the line "And I'm the damn fool that shot him"

Someone in a Tree2 said: "Do you want to know how each episode of GAME OF THRONES will end before you view it?"

If I were really into Games of Thrones, then yes, I would have read the books before I watched someone else's interpretation of the material. Just like I read To Kill A Mockingbird, since I figure Harper Lee deserves first crack at telling me her story?

HunterK said: "There was an article a few weeks back here on broadway world that explained the plot perfectly! It was featured about 2-3 weeks ago. I have searched all day for it. Does anyone know where I can find it? Or even know what I am talking about?
Taking my mom to see it next week and I know she won’t easily Follow it, this article was perfect.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hadestown follows two intertwining love stories - that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone - as it invites audiences on an epic journey to the underworld and back. Anaïs Mitchell's beguiling melodies and Rachel Chavkin's poetic imagination pit nature against industry, faith against doubt, and love against fear. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, Hadestown delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

"In the warmth of summertime, songwriter Orpheus and his muse Eurydice are living it up and falling in love. But as winter approaches, reality sets in: these young dreamers can't survive on songs alone. Tempted by the promise of plenty, Eurydice is lured to the depths of industrial Hadestown. On a quest to save her, Orpheus journeys to the underworld where their trust in each other is put to a final test.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-Mythbusters-Your-Guide-To-The-Greek-Mythology-of-HADESTOWN-20190427

Updated On: 5/8/19 at 12:55 AM