Wright & Grainger – Eurydice

In the hands of the extraordinary storytelling duo Alexander Wright and Phil Grainger, ancient myth becomes something vivid, contemporary and utterly spellbinding. Their production of Eurydice at the stunning Mortlock Chamber as part of the Adelaide Fringe is not merely theatre, it is an experience that lingers long after the final words are delivered.

Told through soaring spoken word, live music and haunting atmosphere, Eurydice reframes the familiar Greek myth from Eurydice’s perspective, giving voice and agency to a character often left silent in traditional retellings. We meet her first as Leni, a child dreaming of superheroes, before following the path of fate that eventually leads her toward Orpheus and the tragic love story we think we know! Yet, Wright & Grainger’s version reinvents this myth and turns it into something deeply human; a meditation on love, destiny, choice and the quiet courage it takes to leap into the unknown.

Having seen Wright & Grainger’s Orpheus previously during this Fringe Festival made the Eurydice journey even more powerful. Experiencing the myth first from Orpheus’s perspective and then from Eurydice’s, transformed the narrative into a profound emotional echo chamber. Moments resonated differently with the storytelling gaining a deeply emotional connection and meaning, and the tragedy became a rich multi layered experience. Seeing both productions is highly recommended to allow you to be taken on an even more evocative journey through the lives and worlds of Eurydice and Orpheus and their heartbreaking love story.

Alexander Wright brings an extraordinary warmth, wit and emotional depth to Eurydice’s story, drawing the audience intimately in with every word and gesture. Alongside Wright is Phil Grainger’s musical mastery, which is mesmerising. Triggering beats, textures and harmonies were all performed live through his wonderful guitar playing, clever and creative use of a launch pad while weaving in stunning vocals. Grainger shapes the emotional landscape of the piece in real time, and it is stunning, beautiful and impeccably timed.

On the night I attended Eurydice, Wright stepped in for an unwell Megan Shandley. By his own admission, Alexander Wright had not performed this production since 2020 and had not thought about it since, yet what unfolded on stage was nothing short of extraordinary. His storytelling is electrifying, delivered with the rhythm, humour and intensity of a master craftsman.

Adding another exquisite layer to the performance was the roaming string quartet of Michael O'Donnell (violin), Mae Napier‑Traeger / Hannah Pelka‑Caven (violin), Jenny Thomas (viola) and Allye Sinclair (cello) whose music drifts through the alcoves of the library, enveloping the audience in an atmosphere that is both intimate and epic. The result is a mesmerising collaboration where word, music and space intertwine seamlessly. From the first line to the final moment, the audience is completely inside the world Wright and Grainger create making this a theatrical presentation that is performed not for the audience but with them.

It was revealed that after this Fringe season Wright & Grainger will not be appearing at festivals for a while, so do yourself an enormous favour and do not miss the opportunity to witness this next-level talent while you can. This gifted team has created something truly phenomenal, and words scarcely do it justice.

Peta Bojanic

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