Orlando: A Rhapsody

Orlando: A Rhapsody
Paradise Factory Theater
November 6, 2025

Photo courtesy of Orlando: A Rhapsody

Orlando: A Rhapsody is a unique and profound exploration of the work and philosophy of Virginia Wolf.  The piece pulls from several of her texts and is written and performed by Vinora Epp and Steven Epp.  This father/daughter team create genuine moments, while discussing and debating various points of view.  It is truly mesmerizing, transporting the audience to a higher realm of thought.  As a director, Vinora Epp has a mastery of the material and a clear purpose for the play.  Its journey is lush, personal, emotionally engaging, and intellectually stimulating. 

While the audience files in and gets comfortable, an older male (Steven Epp) is sitting on a stack of books, reading a Virginia Wolf novel.  A young woman (Vinora Epp) calls for the performance to begin.  She introduces herself and the man reading, who is her father.  She tells of her childhood memories and the spaces she inhabited.  She grew up in the theater, watching her father perform Hamlet.  They prepare to tell Virginia Wolf’s Orlando.  They decide that Vinora will play the younger Orlando, and Steven will portray an older version of the character.  They dive into Virginia Wolf’s texts.  Vinora embodies the character of Orlando, while Steven brings the text of Virginia Wolf’s The Waves to life.  This meshes Orlando’s youthful fervor with a perspective on aging and the passing of time.  This dichotomy continues throughout the piece, as they discuss Orlando’s gender and Virginia Wolf’s viewpoint on fiction.   

Vinora Epp & Steven Epp
Photo by Arin Sang-Urai, courtesy of Orlando: A Rhapsody

At one point Vinora states, “The story is the thing needed,” which prompts Steven to recall his childhood theatrics that motivated him to a life in the theatre.  It is in this section of the performance where these two extraordinary artists engage in dialogue about the relationship between fiction, gender, and theatre.  According to Ms. Epp, this was the driving subtext of the piece and her inspiration for its development.  This final section brings that subtext into direct conversation.  Their points of view are from different generations, offering a point of entry for every member of the audience.  As a perspective you relate to is voiced, you open to contemplating a point of view you did not consider before.  Through this discourse, the visceral journey of the play crystallizes.  You become part of the revelation of a larger frame of thought. 

Vinora Epp & Steven Epp
Photo by Arin Sang-Urai, courtesy of Orlando :A Rhapsody

Vinora Epp and Steven Epp are an amazing duo.  They invite you into their thought process.  You feel welcome and challenged by their insight and wisdom.  It is an incomparable and enthralling experience. 

Orlando: A Rhapsody is playing at Paradise Factory Theater (64 E. 4^th St, NYC) through November 22.  Get a ticket right away.  

Domenick Danza