Cupid and Psyche: An Allegory

by Emily C. A. Snyder

AVAILABLE FOR PRODUCTION: contact emilycasnyder@gmail.com for rights.

The classic tale of "Cupid and Psyche" is given the epic treatment in this poetic verse drama. Cupid, the god of love, is tasked with killing Psyche, a mortal who cannot love. Their story plays out over the war between love and death, reason and passion. PLAY THREE OF THE LOVE AND DEATH TRILOGY

AVAILABLE FOR PRODUCTION: contact emilycasnyder@gmail.com for rights.

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Cupid and Psyche: An Allegory

Recommended by

Cheryl Bear: Cupid and Psyche: An Allegory by Emily C. A. Snyder

“

A fascinating story of love and the heart. Will it live on as well as the gods and goddesses of it? Captivating and well done!

A fascinating story of love and the heart. Will it live on as well as the gods and goddesses of it? Captivating and well done!

”
Chris Rivera: Cupid and Psyche: An Allegory by Emily C. A. Snyder

“

Emily's masterpiece. Every lover of verse and Greek Mythology should read. The language, the characters, the relationships are gorgeous. Haunting and hopeful.

Emily's masterpiece. Every lover of verse and Greek Mythology should read. The language, the characters, the relationships are gorgeous. Haunting and hopeful.

”

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Barrett Players (Glasgow, Scotland), Year 2019
Type Reading, Organization Turn to Flesh Productions, Year 2013
Type Reading, Organization The Factory Theatre, Year 2010
Type Workshop, Organization Emerson College, Year 2009

Production History

Type Professional, Organization Turn to Flesh Productions, Year 2014
Type Professional, Organization Turn to Flesh Productions, Year 2018
Type University, Organization Mary Baldwin University, Year 2023
Type University, Organization Dundee and Angus College, Year 2024

Awards

Shakespeare's New Contemporaries

American Shakespeare Center

Finalist

2018
Princess Grace Foundation

Princess Grace Foundation

Semi-Finalist

2009

Genre

adaptation,

adventure,

comedy,

dark comedy,

drama,

fable/folktale,

faith-based,

fantasy,

horror,

movement/physical,

musical,

mystery/thriller,

pageant,

period,

romantic comedy,

tragedy,

verse

Subject Matter Keywords

cupid,

Psyche,

Greek mythology

Length

two to three hours

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Characters with a Disability,

Centers Female Characters,

Centers LGBTQ Characters

Supporting Materials

Music Samples

https://soundcloud.com/emily-c-a-snyder/adoremus-te

Supporting Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4skkwLmRUtA

Reviews

The Little Corner

“
There are hardly any new iambic pentameter plays done today and this is new, fresh with wonderful prose and characters that are an actors' dream. It is an adult play, not for kids, with all of the sharp humour and quotable lines.
”
Kirre Ranin

“
One of my absolute favourite plays - period. Filled with glorious prose and iambic pentameter, I can say it is a joy to read aloud as well. As a lover of Greek mythology, plays, Shakespeare and romance with a smart head and good heart this ticks all the boxes.
”
Cupid and Psyche: The Reception of Apuleius’ Love Story since 1600

“
A modern interpretation, focusing on the anthropomorphization of the allegorical figures of Love and Soul. Snyder has successfully transferred the timeless issue of love and rejection into modern times, where Snyder's pentameter verses are contrasted with contemporary music.
”
The Adventures of Bag Girl

“
Cupid and Psyche takes a lot of influence from Shakespeare (specifically A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, which Cupid jokingly quotes during his first meeting with Psyche) as well as Greco-Roman mythology, with beautiful and erotic poetry to create a fascinating plot.
”
Dr. Peter Kirwin

“
Cupid and Psyche is a dense, rich play that aligns with many of the current feminist retellings of Greek mythology that refuses to shy away from the horrors of violence and sexual aggression, while also embracing the absurdist humor created by the pettiness of the gods.
”
Hi! Drama

“
A delicious treat for the Valentine's Day weekend!
”
Off-Off Onlne

“
Under the helm of playwright and artistic director Emily C.A. Snyder, the theater company re-contextualized a classic legend about Cupid’s fabled experience of the trials and agony of love...truly carrying them into the 21st century.
”
Stage Buddy

“
Turn To Flesh Productions certainly chose a relevant story to present for Valentine’s weekend of 2014: the myth of Cupid and Psyche... written and directed by Emily C. A. Snyder, is their very first play -- a comedy with the audacity to deconstruct that classical story.
”