Antigone - Fresh-faced ensemble in need of direction

A classic Greek drama, Antigone was written by the great dramatist Sophocles in 442 BC.  Three young women – Carmine Bernhardt, Vanessa Coley-Donohue and Linzi Voth – have recreated Antigone's tragic story from the recent adaptation by Ian Johnston.

In the City of Thebes, two brothers leading opposite sides in a civil war have both been killed in battle. The new King forbids the burial of the rebellious brother.  His sister, Antigone, rebels against the King so that she can accord her fallen brother his burial rites.  She is found out and punished, which leads to her death.  The play centres on the question of whether Antigone should be punished by the state for her act of civil disobedience.

While these three performers are clearly trained in dance, acting and movement, I have to question why they created this ensemble piece without the aid of a director.  Due to the traditional text, the complexity of the plot and the playing of multiple characters, it is certainly a difficult piece for a modern audience to follow without knowing the story.  There was a tendency to recite the lines as opposed to telling us the story through strong characterizations and interactions.  I wonder if a modern Fringe audience would prefer a more modern adaptation.  However, many of the chorus sequences are quite well choreographed and executed.  There are some beautiful images in the play – the simplicity of a black ribbon as rope to bind Antigone's hands and the cradling of long white cloths to represent the bodies of the dead.  If you're interested in a classic take on a classic tale, this one may be for you. 

For more information and to get in on the debate hurry here.