Elenoa Rokobaro - Hadestown
Elenoa Rokabaro in Hadestown. Photo: Lisa Tomasetti
Elenoa Rokobaro, the powerhouse behind Persephone in the Australian production of Hadestown, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career spanning acclaimed shows like Rent, The Book of Mormon, and Legally Blonde, Rokobaro has carved out a space as one of Australia’s most versatile musical theatre performers. Yet, as she steps into the mythical underworld of Hadestown, she reveals that this role feels less like another credit and more like a creative awakening.
“I didn’t know that I needed a show like Hadestown,” Rokobaro told Pario.
From Basketball Courts to Broadway Dreams
Rokobaro’s journey to the stage wasn’t a straight path. Growing up in Sydney’s western suburbs, she initially envisioned a future in basketball, even considering a scholarship in the United States. It wasn’t until she was discovered at her performing arts high school that she began to explore the world of musical theatre.
“Musical theatre wasn’t my passion at all,” she admitted. “I discovered it at the age of 16. I was at a crossroads, deciding whether to pursue sport or entertainment. I guess you could say I’ve fallen in love with musical theatre — it hasn’t been my first love, but it’s definitely my greatest.”
Elenoa’s love affair with the stage began when she landed a role in Respect: The Musical at just 16. “I look back and find myself thinking, ‘I can’t believe I did that at 16,’” she reflected. She credits her early years in the industry for shaping her fearless approach. “Back then, I had no idea how big that opportunity was.”
Since then, Rokobaro has built an impressive résumé, performing in Rent, Book of Mormon, Hairspray, and Legally Blonde, among others. Each role, she noted, has contributed to her craft. “Every opportunity leads to the one you’re in right now,” she said. “All the techniques, all the tools have honestly helped me with this particular role.”
The Physical and Emotional Demands of Persephone
Playing Persephone in Hadestown is no small feat. The role is physically demanding, requiring a level of athleticism that Rokobaro credits to her sports background. “We’re athletes in the sense that we train just like an athlete would,” she explained.
The role requires not just vocal strength but emotional depth and stamina. “Playing Persephone in this incredible show is quite physically demanding,” she admitted. “I feel like I’ve been prepared for this moment, thanks to all my past experiences.”
Rokobaro sees acting as an intensely personal process. “It’s fun to play characters on stage and try not to be yourself, but you can’t help but add little bits of yourself,” she said. Hadestown, in particular, has resonated with her on a profound level. “I didn’t know I needed a show like Hadestown,” she mused. “Creatively, I feel like this is therapy for me.”
The show, an eight-time Tony Award-winning retelling of Greek mythology through music, has struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Rokobaro acknowledged the weight of stepping into such an acclaimed production. “Are you kidding me? Of course, there was pressure!” she exclaimed. “But we’ve been guided so well to make it our own. That’s how I work — I respect the role, respect the show, and then add a little bit of my flair.”
A Show That Resonates with Australian Audiences
Hadestown tells the story of two couples — Orpheus (Noah Mullins) and Eurydice (Abigail Adriano), and Hades (Adrian Tamburini) and Persephone (Rokobaro) — exploring the complexities of love through the lens of Greek mythology. Rokobaro believes the show’s authenticity will strike a chord with Australian audiences.
She believes the Australian cast has brought a fresh authenticity to the production. “Sometimes when you do big machine shows like this, fans expect it to sound a certain way,” she said. “But what we’ve been hearing is how authentic we are. Some of our accents are Australian, and people see themselves in the show.”
With the Sydney run in full swing before heading to Melbourne, Rokobaro has been overwhelmed by the response. “I still haven’t gotten back to a lot of fans, my family, my friends, and my peers in the industry,” she said. “It’s been so overwhelmingly kind and supportive.”
For now, Rokobaro is focused on bringing Persephone to life and connecting with audiences through the raw, emotional power of Hadestown. “This show is a reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for,” she said. “And that’s a story worth telling.”
For those still on the fence about seeing the show, Rokobaro has a simple message: “Take a chance. Bring anyone and everyone because it’s such a beautiful breath of fresh air. You won’t be disappointed. And bring tissues!”
Follow Elenoa’s creative journey on social media at: @eleroko
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