The Tragedy of Antigone
The Tragedy of Antigone will take you back to the times of Ancient Greece. The play is about the characters’ battle of wills against Kreon, the current ruler of Thebes.
Kreon has announced that Antigone’s brother, Polynikes, is to be denied a proper burial and Antigone defies this decree. The play explores the role of burial in ancient society and brings up questions concerning laws of mankind and laws of the gods.
Actor Aslam Abdus-Samad plays Oedipus and Polynikes, who are father and son. These characters introduce the audience to the events that lead to the tragedy of Antigone.
For this play every actor has used the Suzuki Method of Actor training, which is used to strengthen actors’ vocal and physical abilities on stage. It comprises of six important physical activities to build up the actors’ skill.
What Abdus-Samad has liked about working in this production is the role the chorus has taken in this work.
“We have moved away from the typical group speaking solely in unison as observers and made them physically and emotionally dynamic entities whose individual motives are never entirely clear,” he explained.
“I also love that we are really exploring the consequences of defying Kreon and the counterpoint, defying the laws of the Gods. It brings a magical element to the work that really excites me.”
Using text from Eamon Flack’s adaption of Sophocles’ Antigone, this production is presented by Ninefold and PACT centre for emerging artists. (AMal)
April 20–30, Wed-Sat 7pm. PACT Theatre, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville. $25-$33. Tickets & info: ninefoldensemble.com
BY ATHINA MALLIS
