Modern-day Myths in Eurydice

The ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is not the only myth Sarah Ruhl tackles in Eurydice; she also takes on some modern-day myths. I believe that the 1950’s setting of the script is very significant. There is a definite look at gender roles in Eurydice and what better decade to revel in gender myths than the 50’s. Let’s look at some advertisements from that period to see what kind of modern-day myths we find:

Smoking is not that bad for you, in fact, it doctor endorsed.

DDT makes for happy, healthy people, animals and veggies.

If you want to be a good parent, give your baby a healthy start with soda.

Now let’s look specifically at ads about women:

Women should be domestic angel by day…

…and alluring sex goddess by night.

Women are overly emotional, not to mention incompetent.

Women are weak.

Women are (and I quote) “useful – even pleasant [indoors, but]

on a mountain they are something of a drag.”

Women are happiest when housekeeping.

Never mind that Mornidine, a morning sickness medicine, caused babies to be born without arms and legs; at least Father didn’t have to struggle with the percolator.

Is there any doubt what makes an ideal woman?

I think these ads speak for themselves. Isn’t it nice we’ve come so far…

…or have we?

(a contemporary ad for Gucci)

Ruhl is speaking to these issues that still shape our society. By giving Eurydice a voice and a choice (two things she’s traditionally robbed of in the story,) and by setting her journey against the backdrop of the 1950’s, I think Ruhl has plenty to say.