Take a rewritten ancient Greek drama. Add spooky and eerie lighting. Have the actors wear masks. Use dance, pantomime and an original score. Stage it in a small, intimate theatre. What is the result? Good question. The Theater Arts Program's production of Bertolt Brecht's adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone was intriguing, but it was a play that is hard to understand. It was not fantastic or incredible, but it was in no way bad or without value. It was, instead, intriguing in that audience members may have no concrete opinion of the show after having sat through it. They may not be able to say whether it was good or bad, whether they liked or disliked it. What they will probably say is that they did not, and may never, understand all of it, but that it was enjoyable. The intriguing nature of last night's production lay not in the content of the story but in its presentation. The story of Antigone is that of a young woman who defies her uncle, the king, and buries her dead brother. Her brother fought against the king and his body was left to rot on the battle field. Simple enough. As for the presentation . . . The action was played in front of an imposing -- almost devilish -- fiery backdrop, while multi-colored spikes loomed above the actors' heads giving a sense of impending doom. As for props, Director Samara Epstein, a College and Wharton senior, and Production Designer Dipu Gupta, a College senior, employed red ribbons and masks to create a macabre mood and setting. Dance and pantomime was also used to convey plot information not covered in the actual text of the play. It is here where it can be said that the production faltered a bit. Symbolic props and vibrant dances are wonderful if the audience can grasp what they are all about. However, if the audience cannot fully grasp the meaning and intention of these methods, then the props and the dances act merely as distraction and confusion. They may be entertaining to watch, but they contribute little to the audience's understanding of the show. As for the actor's performances, again there arises some difficulty of judging what was not understood. Clearly, the actors succeeded in conveying the basic story line and for that they should be given credit. Larry Bogad, who graduated last year from the University, must be singled out for his, at times, humorous, evil and tragic, but always inspired portrayal of King Creon. Additionally, College junior Yasmin Tuazon gave a meaningful performance as Ismene, Antigone's sister who tries to convince her to abandon her plans of burying her brother. Also, College senior Kent Davis, as the wise seer Tiresias, merits accolades especially for his second monologue which was delivered with great intensity. Antigone continues tonight, tomorrow and Saturday in the Annenberg Center's Studio Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on Locust Walk and at the Annenberg Center box office.
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