Anaïs Mitchell’s folk musical “Hadestown,” which first debuted as a Broadway production in 2019 and won multiple Tony Awards, has been adapted into a film version capturing the 2025 West End staging. Directed by Brett Sullivan, the recording reunites the original cast, including André De Shields, Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Eva Noblezada, and Amber Gray, six years after the musical’s initial triumphant run.
Rooted in ancient Greek mythology, “Hadestown” reimagines the tale of Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, and Persephone through the lens of 1930s American Deep South aesthetics. The musical explores enduring themes such as love, sacrifice, oppression, addiction, and hope, using a narrative framed by folk music and a theatrical juke joint atmosphere. The story juxtaposes despair with the possibility of renewal, reflecting a timeless human struggle.
The character of Hades, portrayed by Patrick Page, is depicted as a fascistic industrialist who governs Hadestown with an iron hand. His Act I finale, “Why We Build the Wall,” echoes contemporary political rhetoric about division and security, resonating with audiences through its portrayal of systemic control and worker oppression. The song’s refrain, “We build the wall to keep us free,” underscores the cyclical nature of such rhetoric across history.
André De Shields, at 79, leads the production as Hermes, the narrator who guides the audience through the narrative. His engaging presence alongside the live band contributes to the work’s vibrant energy. The storyline centers on Orpheus, a gifted musician played by Reeve Carney, whose love for Eurydice, portrayed by Eva Noblezada, drives the plot. Eurydice’s gradual descent into Hades’ underworld and Orpheus’ subsequent attempt to rescue her forms the tragic core of the musical. The couple’s real-life marriage adds a layer of authenticity to their onstage chemistry and emotional performances.
Persephone, interpreted by Amber Gray, represents both the vibrancy of summer and the complex tensions of love and power, caught between her lover Hades and the changing seasons, which metaphorically reflect the play’s emotional cycles.
Cinematographer Clayton Jacobsen’s work enhances the film adaptation by capturing dynamic angles and movements not possible in a traditional theater setting. His use of aerial and intimate shots integrates the audience into the experience, emphasizing the communal nature of live performance. Sullivan’s direction maintains the musical’s spirited ambiance, including an extended curtain call led by De Shields, which reinforces the production’s warmth and immediacy.
“Hadestown” remains a poignant theatrical event that balances mythic tragedy with enduring hope, reminding audiences of the recurring nature of its themes while celebrating the power of storytelling through music and performance.