'Antigone' rises from the dead

Sophocles never imagined the funeral of Antigone could be quite like this. African women sing and shake drums, and British soldiers in linen suits give silent salute. This is Greek tragedy? This past weekend, University Productions and the department of theatre and drama breathed enchanting new life into "Antigone," setting the play in 1930s Kenya.

With ancient Thebes transformed into a British-occupied African colony, the tragedy combined themes of courage, loyalty and the clash of two different worlds. Keeping the original Greek names yet adding modern twists, the play was complex and daring.

Courtesy of University Productions Cortney Wright and Sophina Brown are sisters Ismene and Antigone in "Antigone."

Antigone (Sophina Brown) and Ismene (Cortney Wright) are Kenyan sisters whose father, King Oedipus, has died, leaving them under the care of Creon (Jeffrey Bender). Both of Antigone's brothers have died in battle - Eteocles defending the British throne, and Polynices defending the Kenyan people.

Creon orders that Polynices may not be buried or honored in his death on the grounds of disloyalty. Antigone, in order to preserve her family traditions, buries him despite Creon's decree. Her defiance causes an uproar among both her Kenyan supporters and British oppressors.

Antigone's character has been modified by director Glenda Dickerson to closely imitate that of Princess Diana. On the play's program cover is a photograph of Brown posing with pearls and a tiara, nearly identical to a photograph of Princess Di. Throughout the play, there was a photographer and a journalist monitoring every movement of the "royal" family.

This modernized depiction challenged the audience to assess "Antigone" by new standards. Dickerson made the issues of the ancient tragedy become issues of present-day life, especially emphasizing the heroine's power and influence as a woman.

Brown carried all of the suggested modernity with great poise, and all of her actions were in character with the courageous and charitable princess. But most endearing was the secret sparkle in her eyes when she exchanged glances with her admirers - something the press could not capture.

Bender was excellent as the authoritative Creon, insolently defending his values against those of the people he ruled. Accompanying him was a gaggle of flirtatious women and starched soldiers. These characters as well as the surrounding Kenyan natives provided the varied voices for the Chorus.

REVIEW
	Antigone Trueblood Theatre April 2, 1998 until Sunday, April 12

The drama began with Antigone's funeral, and as the funeral conductor (Jenny Burleson) spoke of her life, the action came in flashbacks while the coffin remained on the stage.

Awash in blue and golden lighting and with African harmonies and rhythms playing in the background, the play had a colorful and exotic flavor. There were musical sequences of both African and European origins, hauntingly blending the traditions of both worlds.

The actors all brought unique touches to their roles. The British characters kept up impressive accents and a kind of weariness as they perspired in the African heat. Especially charming was Patrick Moltane, the sentry who reveals Antigone's crime. His bumbling mannerisms and impeccable accent brought the audience to laughter.

The Africans in the story exuded a positive force, singing and dancing through their anger as they watched their heroine be unjustly punished. Consisting of vibrantly costumed women and Thuku, the Spirit of Kenya (Markitwia Jackson), the Kenyans were depicted as spiritually strong to match the willfulness of Antigone.

Performed in-the-round on a stage with the audience sitting on opposing sides, the play allowed for freedom of movement and direction. The acting often looked like dancing, with sweeping gestures and varied angles at which the action took place.

"Antigone" boasted impressive acting, an unforgettable story and an intoxicating backdrop. The common threads of the themes existing in both ancient and recent times held the new adaptation together tightly.

As three African women said in the opening scene, "The simple fact is that the whole world loved Antigone." Be it Greece or Africa, classical times or present day, her story remains the same.

"Antigone" will be presented again this Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students. 764-0450

04-06-98