Christine Anu takes on the Messenger of the Gods in HADESTOWN

Christine Anu is no stranger to the spotlight.

A multi-ARIA award-winning artist with a career spanning music, theatre, and film, she has become one of Australia’s most beloved performers. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge as Hermes, the messenger of the gods, in the Australian premiere of Hadestown. The production, which opens in February 2025 at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, marks yet another milestone in Christine’s storied career, but it’s a role she approaches with a deep sense of personal connection and responsibility.

Hadestown, created by Anaïs Mitchell and originally directed by Rachel Chavkin, is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, intertwined with the story of Hades and Persephone. The show is known for its distinctive sound—a unique blend of American folk and New Orleans jazz—and its poignant social commentary. Unlike the sweeping orchestrations of traditional musicals, Hadestown offers something more soulful and raw, a style Christine finds both refreshing and deeply moving.

“I’ve never heard a musical like this,” she says. “The music is beautiful, and the lyrics are so cleverly strung together. It’s not just another Romeo and Juliet story, even though we know how it ends. Love prevails, no matter what.”

For Christine, stepping into the role of Hermes is not just about playing a character; it’s about embodying a guiding force within the show. Hermes is the narrator, leading the audience through the love stories at the heart of Hadestown while also offering a broader reflection on the state of the world today. It’s a role that requires both charisma and wisdom, qualities that Christine possesses in abundance. But more than that, Hermes is a character who straddles the line between the living and the dead, bringing messages of hope, love, and community in a world torn between industry and nature.

“This is the role for me, and I gladly step into it,” Christine says, acknowledging how closely she already identifies with Hermes. “I feel like Hermes, the messenger, bringing messages of hope and love. The story is an old one, but it’s about how a person can find themselves inside all that sadness and still prevail.”

Christine’s portrayal will undoubtedly bring her own unique background and perspective into the role. One of the hallmarks of Hadestown has been its ability to adapt, with actors from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds taking on its key roles. Christine sees this as an opportunity to infuse the character with her own heritage and life experience. “I draw a parallel between Greek mythology and my own cultural background,” she explains. “Both serve to explain the natural world and our place in it. My background will shape the Hermes that I play, and they want that.”

The role of Hermes has been portrayed differently across various productions, with each actor bringing their own interpretation to the character. Christine’s version promises to be deeply rooted in her understanding of storytelling, something she connects to her heritage as an Indigenous Australian. For Christine, these ancient myths are not dissimilar to the Dreaming stories she grew up with — both offer powerful reflections on life, death, and the human condition. By weaving her own narrative into the role, Christine’s Hermes will be a fresh, yet timeless take on a character who has guided so many others before her.

Hadestown has gained a reputation as a groundbreaking piece of musical theatre, winning eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Director. The show’s fusion of folk, jazz, and blues sets it apart from more traditional fare, drawing in audiences who might not typically be fans of musical theatre. Christine believes this is part of the show’s magic.

“This isn’t your classic Phantom or Les Mis,” she points out. “This is music that will draw in people who might not think they like traditional musical theatre. The music is so enticing that you’ll want to see it again.”

As a veteran of the stage, Christine’s career has been as eclectic as it is celebrated, with standout roles in productions such as Rent and Little Shop of Horrors. But Hadestown represents something new for her—a chance to play a role that not only showcases her vocal talent but also allows her to bring a nurturing, mentoring presence to the cast. As one of the more experienced members of the ensemble, she takes pride in guiding the younger cast members, who are fresh to the industry. “It feels nice to have this young cast and to be able to guide them in any way they need,” she says. “I already care about them. When I met them, I instantly felt that connection.”

As Hadestown prepares for its Australian debut, excitement is building for what promises to be a landmark production. With Christine Anu at the helm as Hermes, the show is sure to captivate audiences with its unique blend of myth, music, and meaning. “It’s an old story, but it’s a story we all know because these things happen in our own lives,” Christine reflects. “Love prevails, no matter what.”

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Hadestown plays at Theatre Royal, Sydney from February 2025, and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from May 2025.

For further information and to sign up to be the first to find out what is going down in Hadestown, visit www.hadestown.com.au