The Gluck opera opens with Orpheus lamenting over the corpse of his beloved Eurydice, who had just died from a venomous snake bite. Jupiter takes pity on Orpheus and sends Amour (Cupid) with a message.  Orpheus is to take his lyre, go to the other world and with his beautiful music calm the Furies at the gates (Act Two).  Jupiter’s condition is that Orpheus not look at Eurydice until he is back to the Land of the Living. Pressured by Eurydice’s doubts of his true love for her, he turns around and his glance causes her to die. In Gluck’s opera version, such love merits a second and even a third chance. Orpheus is able to bring his true love, Eurydice, back from the world of the Blessed Spirits with the help of Jupiter and Cupid.

However, the story of Orpheus and Eurydice is one that can take place anywhere.  The present production has chosen to situate the story in the Thai context. Ancient Thai mural paintings have inspired scenic backdrops. Costumes will take on a Thai flavor. Shadow play, puppetry and the khon dance are among the many attempts to incorporate traditional Thai arts into the opera.

The Gluck opera opens with Orpheus lamenting over the corpse of his beloved Eurydice, who had just died from a venomous snake bite. Jupiter takes pity on Orpheus and sends Amour (Cupid) with a message.  Orpheus is to take his lyre, go to the other world and with his beautiful music calm the Furies at the gates (Act Two).  Jupiter’s condition is that Orpheus not look at Eurydice until he is back to the Land of the Living. Pressured by Eurydice’s doubts of his true love for her, he turns around and his glance causes her to die. In Gluck’s opera version, such love merits a second and even a third chance. Orpheus is able to bring his true love, Eurydice, back from the world of the Blessed Spirits with the help of Jupiter and Cupid.