Penn State alum Ryaan Farhadi offers insight into success of ‘Hadestown’

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ryaan Farhadi, a 2023 graduate from the Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre program in Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture’s School of Theatre, returns to his alma mater for "Hadestown" at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 2 and 3, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

“Hadestown” is an everlasting story of love and hope. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin, the story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been reimagined for the stage in a show that has won awards and captured the hearts of millions.

Farhadi has been performing on stage since a young age, from choirs and high school productions to touring shows across the country.

“This is my third consecutive national tour since graduating Penn State, and I’ve loved getting to perform some of my dream Broadway shows around the country,” Farhadi said.

After three years of performing shows on the road, Farhadi said he would love to settle down in New York City to focus on more stationary opportunities. “That being said, who knows what the next opportunity will be," he added.

Before arriving back in Happy Valley, Farhadi spoke with the Center for the Performing Arts to give some personal insights into his role in the Workers Chorus and as a Hades understudy while shedding light on the show itself.

Working in the Underworld may not be for everyone

Farhadi: I think experiencing the show from the perspective of the workers is an exercise in ensemble work and world building unlike anything I’ve done before. I love singing these harmonies and being a part of the magic that runs through the plot of the show.

I also get to cover the role of Hades, and experiencing the show from that position of so much power and strength as opposed to the perspective of the workers is a huge contrast that I love getting to explore. It’s challenged me physically, vocally and emotionally, and I’ve learned so much from this show.

‘Hadestown’ isn’t just a story, it mirrors our reality

Farhadi: “Hadestown” is truly a story for everyone, and the reason for its commercial success is the way it reflects so much of the dynamics in the world around us through the lens of a Greek myth that most students are already somewhat familiar with. It reflects the increasingly polarizing political spectrum we live in, the rise of big tech and the oligarchs leading it, the global impact on environmentalism and so much more that we experience every day.

Whether you are involved in politics, technological and scientific advancement, the arts, or any number of jobs that involve learning a skill or trade, you will find that the story pulls in themes from all of those industries and how they intersect.

A powerful message of community

Farhadi: I think it’s stayed relevant because at its core, it is still a story about the impact that we have on the world around us. The political themes of the show have been somewhat diluted as it ascended to Broadway (and I’d encourage everyone to go listen to and read some of the original lyrics to see how they’ve changed). But fundamentally, it is still about the power of community in the face of a rapidly changing world order and a beautiful love story with an incredible score that everyone falls in love with after hearing once.

Love overcomes all

Farhadi: The theme of love being more important than one’s own ego and the act of loving being more important than any individual work or man-made problem. Seeing the similarities between Orpheus and Hades as the story plays out reminds you that nobody is immune to this regardless of power or status.

An Orpheus who loves is an Orpheus who turns

Farhadi: My favorite saying amongst the fans of this show is “An Orpheus who doesn’t turn around is an Orpheus who wouldn’t have gone to the Underworld to rescue Eurydice in the first place.” He turns around because his love for her is his only guiding purpose, and the thought of crossing that threshold without her being there is unbearable. He gives in to that need and in doing so, sacrifices both of their chances at leaving the Underworld.

Visit “Hadestown” online for more information or to purchase tickets.

Ariana J. Lee is a marketing communications intern at the Center for the Performing Arts.