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Antigone

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

There is no doubting the power of the classic text Antigone, the story of a daughter born of the incestuous love of Oedipus and his mother, who decides to go against her uncle King Creon's decree that her brother, Polyneices, will not have a burial. This throws Creon (Boris Radmilovich) at odds with his own son, Haemon (Hazem Shammas), who is in love with Antigone (Deborah Mailman).

It is certain that Sophocles's work is relevant to our contemporary world: the question of human rights versus the law of the state, family versus duty, fate versus justice. Director Chris Kohn's contemporary take on these themes was at times meaningful and coherent, however, fragmented and baffling in others.

With Radmilovich unconvincing as Creon, the play was held together and indeed illuminated by Mailman and Gillian Jones, who as Tiresias was completely mesmerizing. Luiz Pampolha and Jethro Woodward must be commended for the lighting and sound design which was thoughtful and impactful.

Apart from the passion and fierce sense of loyalty and justice delivered by Mailman, the emotion felt acted, not inhabited, which left me without a strong emotional connection to the production.

Emma McGowan (April 9 viewing)