This past weekend, the Fieldston Theater Department put on an incredible performance of the classic Greek tragedy, Antigone. Written by Sophocles in 441 BC, Antigone, the first play in The Theban Trilogy (that includes Oedipus, The King and Oedipus at Colonus), is an ancient text that tells the story of Antigone’s rebellion against King Creon’s orders when she buries her brother, Polyneices. While this storyline persists in Fieldston’s production, the Theater Department took a modern approach.
Director Clare Mottola and assistant directors Shayna Sacks (V) and Chloe Jean (V) made choices regarding the wardrobe, lighting and sound, staging and characters that explored the text through a contemporary lens for actors Nikash Das (Creon), Charlotte Ellis (Haemon, Messenger), John Keithline (Soldier, Tieresias), Kaelyn Mena (Ismene, The Boy, Eurydice), Farah Salem (Antigone) and NoahSaviano (The Chorus). I interviewed Fieldston students to hear their thoughts and reactions to this modern twist on Antigone.
When asked what choices stood out to her, Ellie Usdin (V), who attended the Friday evening show, answered, “the way the directors played with light and sound through using stage lights as props in the performance.” In the opening act, a stage light moved across the stage, acting as a searchlight from an airplane. Though there were no airplanes in ancient times, this was a part of the directors’ attempt to explore Antigone in a contemporary lens. Usdin further explained that while she was initially confused by the presence of modern technology, such as phones, in the show, it ended up being critical in helping the audience understand the modern approach.
Chloe Keenan (V) explained that while she had known in advance that it would be a modern take on Antigone, she didn’t quite know what to expect. One aspect of the production that pleasantly surprised her was the sound design. What Keenan described as “spooky music,” was often played in between scenes, creating an ominous and eerie ambiance. She also explained, “The choice to have ‘the chorus’ start in the audience was startling at first, but as the show went on I found it to make more sense. The breaking of the fourth wall added to the unique feeling of this production.”
Lastly, Liam Lambert (VI) pointed out that the directors’ choices and unique adaptation allowed the viewer to interpret the show in many different ways. In a conversation with other students after the performance, I realized that I interpreted the fashion choices very differently than my peers. While I perceived the wardrobe, specifically Antigone and Ismene’s clothes, as almost replicating those of the modern, angsty teen, Wesley Mitchell (V) interpreted the wardrobe to imitate a film noir style.
On the other hand, Mr. Montera, who teaches “The Ancient Greeks and Their Rivals,” said
“The production was wholly faithful to Sophocles. The small cast of actors handled long poetic passages of dialogue so movingly and skillfully, telling the story of a young woman who wants to honor both of her brothers killed in combat. One is a rebel against the city of Thebes, and he goes unburied. The other is sanctified and sanctioned by the polity. Antigone loves both of them; wants both buried. And in that choice she pits herself against her arrogant uncle and the politics of the state, and she challenges the authority of men. The play is a primer on loyalty, love, civic responsibility, the arrogance of power, and the consequences of the abuse of power. It may look modern, but the production captures what the ancients knew about suffering, and that is eternal. Every actor had a spotlight moment on that beautiful and evocative stage.”
Putting on a play, let alone a classic like Antigone, is no easy feat. The cast was exceptionally talented and should be very proud of all the work they put into the show. Congratulations to the entire cast of Antigone for putting on an incredible show!
Photos: Courtesy of Anne Mottola
