Super Short Summary

Orpheus Descending by Tennessee Williams tells the story of a young, charismatic musician named Val who arrives in a repressive southern town, where he becomes involved with Lady, a passionate woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. Their relationship faces numerous obstacles, including past traumas, societal constraints, and underlying violence, reflecting themes of loneliness, desire, and the quest for freedom. The play includes discussions of violence, racism, and pregnancy loss.