On Wednesday, Sept. 21, Longwood University’s Theatre Department opened their first production of the theatrical season, the Greek tragedy “Antigone” directed by Bruce Speas.
For the most part, Jean Anouilh's 1940s adaptation stays true to Sophocles' original drama. However the French dramatist chooses to put more emphasis on the main characters, Antigone and Creon. This draws away from the ‘hero vs. villain’ theme, leaving the audience with two reasonable sides in an otherwise tragic story.
Despite its appropriate simplicity, the set also brought a certain dark yet classy style to the main stage theatre which can also be seen in the costumes. Although there were few costume changes, there seemed to be a mixture of modern-day-meets-Greece type of style.
Before the show commenced, Speas gave some remarks to introduce the production, calling "Antigone" the "first debate of the year here at Longwood." With the politically charged aspects of the show, Speas references the 'debate' between Antigone and Creon as the first that Longwood will host.
Anouilh's "Antigone" begins with an introduction of the characters by the 'Greek chorus' of just one, played by senior Katie Brand. Brand delivered information during the show and set up scenes so the audience is aware of the prior events which led to the conflict at hand. Although Brand did not necessarily play a leading role, her performance was certainly suited for one. She captured the audience's attention with eloquent descriptions of characters.
Throughout the show, there were many characters that were comic relief such as the nurse and the guards, providing laughter in an otherwise sorrowful play. The nurse, played by senior Baylee Holloran, provided a heartwarming, maternal figure for Antigone. Although Holloran gave a believable performance with voice and movement, she often broke character in facial expressions which distracted from the scene. Sophomore Garrett D. Reese's exceptional timing as the first guard was emblematic of the show's comedic relief.
Supporting roles include the parts of Haemon, Creon’s son and Antigone’s fiancee, played by junior Jordan Stroud and Ismene, Antigone’s sister, played by Olivia Pedigo. Both did well in showcasing their relationships with Creon, for Haemon, and Antigone for each of them. Haemon has little character development in the story, handcuffing Stroud's character into alternating between loveable and angry through no fault of his own. However Ismene is more dynamic, beginning as a meek character that develops courage by the end of the story. Pedigo accurately displayed her meek reluctance, but the distressed emotions were overwrought in her voice, making her difficult to understand.
Ryan Bultrowicz's portrayal of Creon was reminiscent of an angry, tired and dissipated politician. Although anger is fitting for Creon, Bultrowicz successfully showed a different side to his character, where his cruel decisions were not as easy to make.
However, there did appear to be instances where other emotions may be explored, especially when it came to Antigone, played by senior Lorin Hope Turner. Antigone and Creon have a truly enticing relationship which becomes the main focus of the show at times. They have moments where they go back and forth in an attempt to distinguish who has greater reason in this 'debate'.
Turner's take on Antigone captures the complexity of her sacrifice through a sense of self-awareness. Antigone is constantly faced with the burden of whether she should do what is right and feels destined to do, or whether she should simply do what is easy. She portrays the wide range of emotions through action and tone as every her feeling is expressed through her actions for the audience to see.
