An article titled “Orpheus in Hell: Adaptation and reimagination of a myth in Rio de Janeiro’s musical theatre,” by Assistant Professor of Music Alex Bádue, was recently published online in a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Studies in Musical Theatre. The issue focused on The Musical-Theatrical Global South.
Bádue examined two adaptations of the myth of Orpheus in Rio de Janeiro’s musical theatre – one from the 19th century and one from the 20th century.
He looked at the musical depiction of hell in each and how the utilization of vernacular and popular forms of Brazilian music and dance – cateretê, fado, maxixe, bossa nova and batucada – reflect and comment on issues of social class and race during the time periods in which the works were created.
Bádue said “the article also contextualizes these works within the broader cultural, social, and historical framework of their times and underscores the enduring relevance and adaptability of the Orpheus myth in diverse cultural landscapes.”
