Antigone

Graduate Dramatic Society (GRADS) presented Jean Anouilh’s 1942 adaptation of Sophocles’ two-thousand-year-old pay, Antigone.

Like the original Greek production, this Antigone was played out of doors, this time in UWA’s Shakespearian proportioned New Fortune Theatre. Ironically, despite the origins of this play, written for a much bigger theatre, this show feels a little lost at times in this large space, despite some strong performances.

The mood is set by Grace Edwards as the Lead Chorus, a wry narrator who wins the audience with her charm and her commentary.

Kate Naunton Morgan is convincing and passionate in the title role, delivering a performance that anchors the show beautifully. Fiery and determined she scares up well against Shivas Lindsay’s Creon, a portrayal with power and excellent regal bearing. 

Love interest Haemon was played by Alex Comstock with dedication and believability, while Millie Hillman was a lovely and elegant Ismene. Kaitlyn Barry did well as the nurse, but was inexplicably carrying a clipboard which appeared to be a crib.

The final three performers Hugh McGuire, Mitch McCauley and Megan Lilley played soldiers and chorus, with Megan also nicely playing an earnest messenger. The soldiers were played a little like Shakespearian clowns, and were dressed with a keystone cop feel, which I feel at times distracted from the seriousness of the show and felt a little add odds with the genre.

Costumes, by Merri Ford and Kristine Lockwood, were otherwise well chosen, and strong lighting choices were provided by Fiona Reid.

Great to see a classic performed with passion and enthusiasm, and I would have liked to have seen a bigger audience on the night I attended.

Kimberley Shaw