Fringe review: Wright & Grainger’s Orpheus

Wright&Grainger’s version of Orpheus has been around the block a few times since its inception in 2016 (haven’t we all?), but this version feels a bit special. Set in the stunningly beautiful Mortlock Chamber at the State Library of South Australia, surrounded by stories, what could be more perfect? (Oh, OK, add a string quartet into the mix, why don’t you?)

This is the story of Dave, who sees the world in black and white (literally). He’s turning 30 and the lads have big plans. A karaoke room power cut leads him to Eurydice and a “flash flood romance” that changes his world. But then, as we all know, Eurydice dies: Dave’s grief moves the stone-cold hearts of the gods and he’s allowed to travel to the Underworld to bring her home.

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Eurydice is made of colour, and Phil Grainger’s song ‘Colour Me In’ sits at the heart of this story to devastating effect. His voice is the heartbreak that makes the gods weep. Al Wright is equally at full throttle in this larger than usual space, energised, active, pacing the narrow stage, simmering at the injustices of a cruel world. If you’re not already captivated (hard to believe that’s possible; there’s already been a Bruce Springsteen singalong), then sit tight, because soon the strings will creep in to add more and more layers to the music. It’s a hefty emotional punch; in fact, in other hands it might be a bit too much, but Wright and Grainger know how to use humour to contain and release the tension. This is a rare moment, a beautiful story that will probably always be part of Wright&Grainger’s repertoire, but might not come back in this form, to this space again, which makes it a tissue-toting must see this Adelaide Fringe.

Wright&Grainger’s Orpheus is playing at the Mortlock Library at the Courtyard of Curiosities at the State Library from February 19 – March 22