Changing history into
HER-Story. The show is an amazing success blending music, song, dance poetry
and acting together … This
thought-provoking adaptation allows for a modern audience to find relevant
references from our own pop culture and social media memes. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Collab company Producers Lauren Noble in partnership with Sashin Kandhai presented Antigone Retold at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Title Woza Habibi from Dubai to Durban, this international collaboration brings together actors, dancers, directors and theatre practitioners from across the globe.
The Greek tragedies are said to be the birthplace of Western Theatre. Antigone is one such tragedy that tells the story of a woman who defied the laws of an unjust patriarch and showed humanity that the just actions of a woman would be deemed unruly.
Antigone Retold, directed by Lauren Noble and choreographed by Sashin Kandhai, offers a modern twist to this ancient mythological fable. Showing that history has taught us the ways of an unfair patriarchy which still repeats itself today. This feminist stance boldly navigates historic tales to shed light on the unequal practices between the sexes and offers a fresh take on Her-story.
This rewrite by Noble fuses several poignant female characters from Greek mythology and includes tales from Pandora, Medusa, Caliope, Athena, Hera, Aphrodite and Megara. These interwoven stories from mythology assist in punching the feminist slant that the show strives to emulate. This thought-provoking adaptation allows for a modern audience to find relevant references from our own pop culture and social media memes.
The choreography is delightfully diverse as Kandhai explores myriad styles ranging from Classical Bharata Natyam to Pop, Hip Hop, and contemporary dance to create an aesthetic that is pleasing to the eye. He adds, Antigone Retold - The Woza Habibi tour has and always will be very dear to me because above all else, it is a shared dream between two friends which has come true. From a dance perspective, Antigone Retold has allowed me to explore my range and versatility as choreographer. The dance numbers are an extension of the character and the narrative but also of me as a Greek Mythology lover. I am always grateful for a platform that allows me to mentor creatives (of all ages) and share everything I have learned in the many international creative spaces I have worked in over the last eight years".
The vast cast of roughly 35 members are both local and international artists. Some novice, still in school performers fused with experienced professional actors and dancers.
Angelique, from Durban is a student at UKZN. She says that: "I’m very honoured to be part of this production and to be playing the role of Antigone. It's been an incredible learning experience and I'm so excited for everyone to see the work we've put in come to life on stage!". She confirms that the show is, "important to me because this is the first out of campus production I've ever done and I'm so excited to be performing at the Sneddon!"
One of the youngest cast members is Yaashay Singh. " I am a Dionysian in Antigone Retold. My experience has been one of the most fantastic things that has ever happened to me. I have learned so much about the various dance forms and I have really enjoyed it. Definitely an experience I'll never forget. #collabcompany #colabcreations #fromdubaitodurban".
Kaylen Lee Naicker is from Durban, South Africa. “My role in Antigone Retold is a Dionysian, also known as Athena's attendant. I have been trained in the Indian classical style of Bharatha Natyam and became the first male graduate of Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute in 2017. I have really enjoyed the experience of being a part of this cast as it took me out of my element, had me learn new dance styles, and I got to meet a lot of talented individuals that I could learn from and teach as well. Being in this cast really sparked a passion in me for theatre, and it makes me want to experience more of it.”
Sohail Thirlokinath, also from Durban adds: "I am Aphrodite's Attendant and the Dance Captain. I am a Durbanite at my roots. My dance background has always been Bollywood and Antigone Retold gave me the opportunity to really step out of my box and explore my versatility in dance. And along the journey of that, I learnt much more about the arts - from set designs to costumes to acting. It’s been the most exhilarating and rewarding project I have ever been apart and I’m so excited to be a part of it!"
Bronwyn Štulić from Durban, plays the role of a Dionysian in Antigone Retold. She adds: "This isn’t just a production, it’s a theatre experience and everyone should have an opportunity to immerse themselves into the world that is Antigone Retold. I feel that everyone can find a moment, a song, a quote, a character that they can relate to in this very special piece of work".
The aesthetic is pleasing to the eye. Kirin Hilliar, director of the live art installation elements of the show, says that: "Whilst we’ve been cross-continentally working on Antigone Retold: The Woza Habibi Tour since March, the chance to be in Durban for a whole month, immersing myself not just in production preparations, but in South Africa itself, has been truly wonderful. I’ve been able to meet, mentor and work with a diverse team of local talents, whilst also living with cast and crew. As the Immersive Director, I’ve had great fun extending the audience’s experience with pre- and post-show immersive installations that introduce the characters, provide a space for critical reflection of the production, and celebrate the themes of the show further with over 10 brief performances of dance, song, acting and poetry".
Other cast members include the Thomas More Choir, Northland Girls students and staff and students from AFDA and UKZN.
The set is the design concept of Craig Noble and is detailed to resemble the architecture of a Greek City. The costumes are strikingly beautiful and add to the aesthetic value of the show.
The soundscape is aptly fitting for the show with a live choir supported by Project Performer and directed by Anisa Bharmal. Bharmal is from London and has been with the show since its inception in Dubai playing the role of Hera alongside the original musical direction needs. She holds the collaborative nature of the show very dear to her heart.
Speaking with Lauren, she states that this was an opportunity to bring many Durban artists, with whom she had learned her craft, together to explore work in the theatre where most of the collaborators had begun their theatre journeys. The show is an amazing success blending music, song, dance poetry and acting together. The pre and post-show performances, the Agora, is something that local audience would not have experienced before and it something the audiences will relish. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
Shows ran at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 19-21 and July 26-28, 2024.