There are performances that you witness, and then there are those rare performances that you truly experience. Wright & Grainger’s Orpheus at the Adelaide Fringe in the stunning Mortlock Chamber Library of the State Theatre was unequivocally the latter. What I witnessed was, in the truest sense, ‘next level’ performance art. It was a mesmeric journey to Hades and back that refused to release you from its grip until long after you had left the performance space – and even then, it remained deep within you – a reminder of the brilliance of this duo.

Wright & Grainger are the ultimate storytellers. Alexander Wright’s spoken-word performance is a tapestry of poetic rhythm and emotional immediacy, every inflection calibrated to pull you deeper into the myth. Phil Grainger’s vocals were spellbinding, at times soaring and at other times hauntingly minimal. Complemented throughout by his beautiful guitar strums, and an incredible string quartet, this musical accompaniment provided the soul of the piece, a companion soundscape that elevated each twist of the narrative. Together, they all moved with the grace of dancers, their synergy absolute, telling this epic love story not just with words and music, but with presence and heart.