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By
Alison Ireland
It
may have been a lucky chance that the opening night of this student
production of Antigone coincided with the state-splitting election
in the US. But the intent of the original translation, courtesy
of Classics student Lauren Curtis, was deliberate in its attempt
to draw political parallels with today's current affairs.
Zeynep
Kayacan, director, reminds us in her programme note that 'the play
has strong resonances for a modern audience'. However, this was
at times a little strained and interfered to some extent with the
emotional impact of the relentless, unfolding tragic events brought
about by Creon's megalomania: a connection with the audience on
one level was sacrificed for over-stated political comment.
Antigone
herself is a difficult part - for a tragic heroine she is rather
annoying, but Caroline Brown put on a good, if not great, act. Other
note-worthy performances came from James Lea as Haemon, who has
a strong, moving voice full of dramatic potential, and Kuroum Bukhari
as Tiresias, whose dire warnings transfixed the audience - his scenes
were the exception to my earlier comment concerning lack of emotional
impact.
It
is refreshing and encouraging to see students performing their own
original translations of Greek plays, and to demonstrate the timeless
relevance of Sophocles' sharp and harrowing works is definitely
a worthwhile pursuit. This version of Antigone is thought-provoking
and well worth seeing. However, the power of art lies in its ability
to move the soul, imprinting a lasting impression, and 'Tantalus
Productions' would do well to remember this.
Would
that George Bush's hubris had come back to haunt him today, as prophesied
by prophets ultimately less wise than Tiresias.
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