The timeless clash between conscience and power takes center stage as Darlington's fine arts department and the Darlington Players present "Antigone" freely adapted by Emily Mann from the play written by Sophocles in 440 BC. This timeless story will take the stage Oct. 17-19 in the Zelle Black Box Theatre. Showtimes are 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
This modern interpretation brings the 2,500-year-old text into urgent focus, probing timely questions about civil disobedience, justice, and authority. Thebes’ Civil War has ended. Creon, the ascending king, proclaims, “regarding the bodies of the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles, a hero, who fought for Thebes…will be given a hero‘s burial… But for Polyneices who recruited foreign troops to attack our home – let his corpse rot under the sweltering sun, food for the birds and the dogs… Anyone who dares to bury the enemy will be publicly executed.” So begins this adaptation of Antigone, who battles Creon, her uncle, for the right in God‘s name to bury her dead brother, Polyneices, but loses that fight in a horrifying conclusion to this story.
In most adaptations, Antigone is seen as the righteous heroine while Creon is the hated villain. However, in this version, we take a fresh look at Antigone’s own rigidity as an equal contributor to this story's devastating ending. Viewed as a contest between equally determined and fierce competitors, both right and both wrong.
"The cast and crew are excited to showcase a classical play for our community this fall," said Theater Director Shelley Daniel. "At its heart, Antigone is a story about the personal cost of standing up for your beliefs. It’s a powerful, dark, and provocative play that leaves the audience with more questions than answers. It’s a tragedy you won't want to miss."
"We can’t wait to welcome audiences through the doors of the Zelle Black Box,” said Company Manager Reese Bell.
This production features a talented cast and crew of 23 Upper School students, showcasing their skills in acting, technical theatre, stagecraft, design and teamwork. The show features a wonderful mix of new and seasoned actors and crew, with publicity and poster design conceived by senior Temira Bolds and the show’s original music composed by senior Sound Designer Reese Bell. The set is designed and built by stagecraft class.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness “Antigone,” an intense and timeless show that examines the questions: “How can one penetrate the absolute certainty and righteousness of political or religious leaders who refuse to listen?” “What happens when neither side of a conflict agrees to yield?” “What happens when one sees the catastrophic consequences of one’s actions too late?” The path taken here – is a shattering lesson for our times.
General admission is $5. Reserve tickets to the show of your choosing by clicking the links below:
Friday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m.
Cast:
Antigone - Kensie Waller ('26)
Ismene - Temira Bolds ('26)
Creon - Cooper Laliberte ('25)
Haemon - Barrett Woods (‘29)
Eurydice - Sara Jo Pierce ('27)
Aide - Kylan Ferrell ('28)
Guard - Davis Pewitt ('28)
Guard - Jesse Meredith ('29)
Greek Chorus - Caroline Sawhill (‘27)
Greek Chorus - Annika Kuo ('27)
Greek Chorus - Madison Paxten (‘29)
Greek Chorus - Ashley Will ('27)
Greek Chorus - Girmante Zolubaite ('28)
Greek Chorus - Han Nguyen ('29)
Greek Chorus - Jane Wei ('29)
Greek Chorus - Jordan Dillard ('27)
Crew:
Company Manager and Sound Board - Reese Bell ('26)
Stage Manager, Costumes - SK McQueen ('26)
Stage Manager, Set - Megan Pinkley (‘26)
Stage Manager, Set - Camille Cross (‘27)
Assistant Stage Manager, Costumes - Ella Peer ('27)
Light Board - Callie Eady ('28)
Props - Makayla Edorhe ('26)
Designers:
Sound Designer - Reese Bell ('26)
Poster Designer - Temira Bolds ('26)
Set Design & Construction:
Luca Bocus ('28)
Nicolas Brust ('29)
Yimika Bunmi-Adedayo ('27)
Clara Leigh Davis ('29)
Daniella Ekeike ('26)
Gracie Hamilton ('28)
Phineas Pollard ('27)
Jesse Price ('29)
Lauren Saye ('28)
Mallory Saville ('28)
