Opera soprano Danielle De Niese has taken on the role of Persephone in Anaïs Mitchell’s musical *Hadestown*, a contemporary retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth set against the backdrop of a New Orleans jazz bar. De Niese, an Australian-American performer with over two decades of international experience, also serves as the mistress of the Glyndebourne estate and opera festival in Sussex, where she resides with her husband, Gus Christie, and their two children.
De Niese describes her involvement in *Hadestown* as a natural extension of her artistic interests, bridging her background in opera with a long-standing love for musicals. She notes that her experience across both forms enriches her performances, allowing for a distinctive blend of skills. Unlike traditional opera roles, she says the production encourages performers to infuse their characters with individuality and personal energy, providing significant room for interpretive freedom within the framework of the story.
She praises Anaïs Mitchell’s creation for its fusion of classical Greek mythology with modern themes, pointing to its enduring popularity. De Niese highlights the musical’s exploration of Orpheus’s desire to envision a different world, a theme she believes resonates deeply with audiences. She also remarks on Mitchell’s 2006 songwriting, which presciently addresses issues of freedom, poverty, and societal division, anticipating political developments years later.
De Niese expressed her views on the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts, stating that nothing can replace the unique emotional experience of live performance. She envisions a future where the arts continue to flourish without being overshadowed by technological concerns, emphasizing the importance of human expression in music and theater.
Reflecting on the character Persephone, De Niese shared a personal anecdote about her favorite drinks, mentioning a Negroni and a White Russian, as well as a bottle of gin gifted at the Olivier Awards that unexpectedly turned out to be produced by Brad Pitt.
Asked about the broader themes of *Hadestown*, which focuses on restoring balance in a fractured world, De Niese expressed hope for societal harmony amid current polarization. She called attention to the dangers posed by fear and misinformation, urging greater education and critical thinking as tools to combat such challenges. She also emphasized the role of art and music in providing hope and fostering community, especially during times of conflict or tragedy. According to De Niese, musical memory holds a powerful ability to connect individuals with their past and with each other, serving as a personal remedy and a source of comfort.
*Hadestown* is currently playing at London’s Lyric Theatre.