Devoid of the typical Greek columns, white togas and wreaths, The University Theater's experimental production of Jean Anouilh's \Antigone"" is a refreshing way to experience this classic story. Charles J. Trieloff Jr. built an appropriately Zen set for this production, rather than mere pictures in the background, the set helps the audience to visualize concepts presented in the play. Scott Gendel's minimalist score sets the somber mood, disappears and then returns to perfectly punctuate the happenings on stage.
The beginning of the play is a bit confusing, we are treated to the lithe movements of the Myrmidons, but their role in telling this story does not become clear until later in the play. However, once this role is clear, the Myrmidons are extremely effective in presenting the mood and subtext of the scene. The chorus, instead of being on stage, is seated in the house and dressed in modern clothing in an attempt to create a bond with the audience. This casual approach works well in the first part of the play, but becomes distracting in the end.
Lashawn Welch has done an excellent job bringing a complex role to life. Her Antigone is wonderfully diverse, able to play both lighter and tragic moments, all while using the undercurrent of a stubborn nobility to motivate her. David Furumoto is captivating as the troubled King Creon, we watch as he develops from a rash and stubborn leader into a man who has been battered by the tragedies in his kingdom. Creon and Antigone have created a true sense of relationship, the scenes between these two characters are so passionate and so full of tension that one could the air in the theatre with a knife. The Guards, especially First Guard Angela Manser, provide a welcome bit of humor that helps to break up the mounting tragedy. There were some characters not as well developed as others. While the lack of text and stage time may have made it difficult for these actors to create vibrant characters, their relationship to this story and to other characters was unclear.
The University Theater's ""Antigone"" is definitely worth seeing, whether just for a night at the theater or to see a new interpretation of a Greek tragedy.
