Fringe Theatre - Antigone; review

Greek tragic poet Sophocles' play Antigone tells the story of a young woman's defiance against the decree of a male authority. However, Antigone is not the protaganist, as King Creon is the one who experiences the Greek tragedy's element of 'a moment of truth'.

Set in the city of Thebes, the brothers Eteocles (incumbent King) and Polynices are fighting over the throne. Polynices brings an army to attack Esteocles and they kill each other in battle. Creon, the brother of the late Queen of Thebes, Jocasta, becomes king. He decrees that Eteocles receives an honourable burial yet forbids Polynices to be buried as he sees him as a traitor to Thebes. The brothers' sisters Antigone and Isemene are distraught, yet Antigone defies the decree and Ismene is horrified, urging her sister to keep her place in a male dominated society.

From this point of the play, Urban Myth Theatre of Youth presents Sophocles' play Antigone.

Antigone is staged at the Holden Street Theatres, The Studio until March 31, and post-Fringe until April 5.

Triumphant Tragedy by Linh

Director Netta Yashchin has created an excellent production of Sophocles' Greek tragedy Antigone, with a fine cast of talented young performers whose character portrayals were dynamic and convincing.

Nikki Souvertjis (pictured) played Antigone with much conviction and passion for the character's beliefs, she was mesmerising in delivery and presence.

Kym Beggs as the unwavering King Creon, was effective in conveying a powerful, intelligent yet dogmatic man whose own opinions become the rules of the land.

Tom Christophersen excelled in his two contrasting roles earning laughter and cheers from the audience. Tom's bumbling and persistent Guard was a delightful contrast to the King's relaxed, regal composure in the same scenes. In other scenes, Tom played the blind prophet Tiresias to the hilt with a wicked grin and clever ambiguous quips to puzzle the already confused King Creon.

The chorus shone in their singing, dancing and ponderings of the lead characters, creating effective links to the characters and their fates.

Urban Myth Theatre of Youth nurtures and supports many talented young performers, and this production of Antigone demonstrates the high quality of productions and immeasurable dedication from all involved.