Directing another show is not a new thing for School of Performing Arts Associate Professor of theatre Gregory Justice, but “Eurydice” is different. This will be Justice’s 60th and final production at Virginia Tech as he explores the question of how love continues in and after death through Sarah Ruhl’s 2003 play.

“Eurydice” reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine, Justice said. "The story follows Eurydice on the day of her wedding, when a tragic accident sends her spiraling into the underworld. There, she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. As she navigates this mysterious land of the dead, Eurydice begins to uncover the complexities of her new existence. With contemporary characters and ingenious plot twists, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story that explores themes of love, loss, memory, and grief," Justice said.

“It’s a great love story about why opposites attract. At its core, the story revolves around love — love in partnerships, the bond with a parent, and how that love transforms when we lose someone. What happens when a spouse dies? That love lingers, and we must learn to navigate that reality,” he said.

Justice hopes the audience connects personally with themes of love, grief, and moving on at multiple levels. “For me, it’s about the death of a parent. I feel a strong connection, as my father passed away when I was a child. I hope the last scene of the play touches everybody.”

In a twist, Justice has chosen to cast an associate professor of theatre and professional actor, Natasha Staley, in the role of Eurydice's father. “I want to explore matriarchal issues through this choice,” he said.

Staley, who teaches voice and performance in the School of Performing Arts, is an experienced vocal coach, dialect coach, and director. The production also features a cello soundtrack created by associate professor of music Alan Weinstein. 

As Justice completes his 41-year career in theatre at Virginia Tech, both as a director and educator, and looks foward to retirement in May 2025, he said, “I am excited to pursue my interest in landscape and animal photography.” 

 Tickets, parking, and other details

Performances are Nov. 12-15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Squires Studio Theatre.

Tickets are $15 general and $12 for seniors and students and may be purchased through the Moss Arts Center ticket office in person, online, or by calling 540-231-5300. All seating is general admission. Tickets will be available at the door of Studio Theatre beginning one hour prior to the performance. For online purchase, find ticket links here.

All university community members and visitors will need to display a parking permit, use the ParkMobile app, pay a fee, or pay using an hourly meter to park on the Blacksburg campus unless otherwise noted by signage. Find additional parking information online.

If you are an individual with a disability and/or desire an accommodation, please contact Susan Sanders at susansan@vt.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.

"Eurydice" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Other upcoming theatre productions presented as part of the theatre season of "Friends, Foes, and Family" include

Written by Vincent Maluwa, a graduate student in arts leadership in the School of Performing Arts

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