About Eros & Psyche

Eros and Psyche is the story of love between a god and a mortal princess, adapted from the original Greek myth. Over the course of the show, Eros and Psyche overcome a mountain of obstacles to be together. 

This production is completely student-run and was mostly rehearsed over Zoom, then filmed in various locations across our community. The final product is part one-act play and part film, and we are excited to be learning new skills and taking on a unique type of story and medium. Written by Ponderosa senior Riley Christian, Eros and Psyche promises a beautiful show for all ages to enjoy! 

PLAYWRIGHT'S NOTE 


Dear Audience Member,


As my friends at Ponderosa Theatre know, I love to write. I have since I was old enough to put letters on a page. I also (as you’ve no doubt guessed) love theatre and drama. So, it’s only natural that my favorite things to write are plays. 

In July, I started toying with an idea. Every year, we put on a Freshman/Sophomore Show, made for children and performed by underclassmen. I wanted to come up with a show that gave the underclassmen a chance to play more interesting characters, with a dynamic plot and imaginative world to experiment in. 

I’ve always loved Greek mythology, ever since I was in kindergarten. So I thought, why not turn my favorite myth into a play? 

At first I was doubtful. Being a high schooler, trying to write a show to perform seemed like overstepping. But my friends and family convinced me, saying that “Mrs. Diaz won’t reject you.” 

They were right. She didn’t, and I am intensely grateful for it. Once I had her approval, I got to work. 

Eros and Psyche was, for the most part, written while I was still loopy on meds from my wisdom teeth surgery. It came about in a single afternoon (which was surprising) on my deck in August, while I sported some ice and gauze. Considering the circumstances, I was worried that the show sounded completely insane. The next week, I brought it to my friend Cara for her thoughts. She spent a few hours reading the show aloud in a multitude of funny voices, laughing through half of the lines and “aww”-ing at the others. She told me she loved it. I brought it to Mrs. Diaz. 

Seven months, a few rewrites, and hours of rehearsals later, here we are. I can’t tell you how surreal it’s been, seeing my name on posters all across town and watching these amazingly talented actors perform my words. It doesn’t feel real. In the style of writers before me, I’d like to give a few thank you’s. 

First, to Mrs. Diaz. I’ve never had any of my writing published (much less produced) before, and you gave me the chance to have it done. Without you, none of this would have ever happened, and Eros and Psyche would still be sitting in my Google Docs. 

Second, to my friends and family, for forcing me to do this despite my reservations. I’m glad you got me out of my own head and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. 

Third, to every single person who has worked on this show. To my fellow directors, Kaley, Brady, and Cara, who are so talented and so smart, and have brought my show to life. To the producers, Kaeleigh, Lauren, and Aiden, who are overcoming every single obstacle to make this show happen. To each and every person on the crew, who have spent months making some of the most beautiful costumes, sets, props, lights, and sounds I’ve ever seen at Ponderosa. To Rachel and Eric and Mrs. Sam, who have made sure that those technical effects go off without a hitch. And especially to the fantastic cast. You guys grabbed my characters off the page and embodied them completely, and you’ve made this show unlike any other. I am so, SO proud of you all, and overwhelmingly grateful. 

Fourth, to the Ancient Greeks and the writers who came before me. I’m taking your gods and your heroes and trying to do them justice. I hope I don’t disappoint. (I did have to water the story down a little for the children, but I’m sure you understand). 

And finally, to you, the audience. I never thought anyone would see my writing on a stage or a film, and definitely not in high school. The fact that you’re sitting there, ready to watch something I’ve written, is bizarre. I’ve heard older writers say that there’s a difference between writing something and having people see it, and I didn’t really believe them until now. There’s a huge difference. By putting it out for you to experience, it’s real. It’s tangible. And, most insanely, it’s a memory that I’m placing in your minds. People are going to remember something I made. That’s unreal. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for seeing this show. It means everything to me. 

Eros and Psyche is a story about falling in love, despite not knowing someone’s face, or your family’s disapproval, and overcoming everything for the person you love. It’s a story of perseverance and determination, and discovering help in unexpected places and people. Most importantly, it’s about finding someone-not who completes you, but makes you better and is willing to forgive your mistakes. 

Now that I’ve gotten all the sappy feelings out of the way, I only have one more thing to tell you: have fun. 

Enjoy the show! 

Riley Christian