Antigone, Jean Anouilh, Melbourne French Theatre, 22 May 1994

THEATRE

Antigone by Jean Anouilh

By Melbourne French Theatre & Theatre of Spheres

At North Melbourne Town Hall till May 29, 1994

Reviewer: Kate Herbert around 22 May 1994

This review was published in The Melbourne Times after 22 May 1994

 

Jean Anouilh's Antigone explores the emotional, personal and philosophical to a greater degree than Euripides' play.

 

Both Creon and Antigone are intractable. She follows her beliefs and heart, he his duty which involves defiling the body of Antigone's brother, Polynices, and the execution of Antigone. We know tragedy is at hand so, like voyeurs, we watch the complexities of the moral debate.

 

Anouilh's Antigone is childish, petulant, defiant yet potent. Her rebellion threatens Creon's public profile. Alice Garner's Antigone is naive and feisty but could further explore the emotional extremes.

 

 Julia Zemiro as Chorus, the commentator and facilitator of the action, is a commanding and witty presence and the most magnetic and arresting performer.

 

 Alison Scarfe's design is startling icy white on white with scattered cubes, spheres and metallic cones. The playing space is defined by a floor cloth of abstract dove motif and bolts of muslin stretching like beams of light to the ceiling echoed by dramatic lighting by Daniel Zika.

 

The collaboration with Theatre of Spheres has allowed a more experimental production for the MFT. Kirsten Von Bibra's production in the North Melbourne Town hall utilises the majestic dimensions of the space by using slides and synchronised movement. A barely audible electronic soundscape by Natasha Moszenin creates an atmosphere of tension and drama.

 

These elements at times inform the dialogue and narrative and at others are merely a distraction. The dreamlike quality and the restricted playing space flatten the dynamic of the script and gives passionate interactions a restrained feel.

 

Anouilh's language is lyrical, imagistic and evocative. The production is much richer if you speak French but it a visual treat if you do not.

 

KATE HERBERT