ANTIGONE

(Pic by Val Adamson: Lungile Mtshali, Teakshania Chetty, Aphiwwe Namba, Chwayita Nogoya, Shalen Sookraj, Tembela Mgandela, Buhle Mazibuko, Nondomiso Lushozi, Luthando Vezi, Siyasanya Tundzi, Tevin Kunene, Sindi Nkbane, Professor Nqmako and Mayenziwe Zuma)

Lloyd O' Connor directs Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, a robust Greek-inspired drama which explores the role of destiny in people’s lives. Featuring 1st, 2nd and 3rd year undergrad students, it runs at the Courtyard Theatre at DUT next week.

Written in 1942, when Nazi forces occupied France, the story revolves around the conflict between the idealist Antigone and her rigid uncle, Creon, over the proper burial of Antigone’s brother, Polynices. The play was also interpreted to represent the struggle of the French Resistance movement against the forces of the Vichy government during the height of Nazi occupation.

Jean Anouilh’s Antigone is an adaptation of Sophocles’ tragic play of the same title. Anouilh (1910–1987) was born in Bordeaux to a tailor father and a violinist mother. By the 1950s, he was Europe's most popular playwright. Throughout his career, Anouilh's drama featured biting political critique which faded later in life when his work became distinguished by their politically conservative nature and nostalgic tone. He wrote at a time when absurdist playwrights Ionesco and Beckett were changing the face of contemporary theatre.

This version is directed and designed by Lloyd O’Connor with lighting design by Tina Le Roux. O’Connor has created a production which is accessible for a contemporary audience by presenting it in colloquial text and using strong imagery. The design is very tactile and uses the elements, with a central sand pit, lit torches and a cleansing font. Rather than using an instrumental score, O’Connor has opted for sounds of waves, wind and water.

Antigone runs at the Courtyard Theatre, DUT, from March 21 to 26 at 19h00. Tickets R20 at door. More information from Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194.