UIW Theatre - Antigone

The University of the Incarnate Word Theatre Arts Department presents Antigone, by Sophocles

Greek tragedy comes alive this weekend and next weekend at UIW as the Theatre Department puts on their production of Sophocles’ Antigone. The play is about Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus (the guy who accidentally killed his father and married his mother), and her decisions and their consequences in the aftermath of the death of her brothers by each other’s hand. The play asks what happens when moral imperatives go against dictates of the state, and explores the responsibilities citizens have in that kind of situation.

I should begin this review with the same disclaimer I began my review of our last show, The Last Five Years, with: I am minoring in theatre and I work for the department, so I cannot necessarily claim complete freedom from bias. On this show I was mostly involved with painting the set, and I had a lot of fun doing so. As with The Last Five Years, however, I feel like having seen how everything has come together as a whole I can confidentally attest to the quality of the show without giving in to too much favoritism.

Sophomore UIW theatre major Victoria Perez takes the title role of Antigone and brings an excellent blend of dignity and passion to her portrayal of the doomed princess. Garrett Anderson, a senior theatre major, gives Creon, the unyielding and self-righteous king of Thebes, a hint of humanity that becomes a raw wound as his world unravels. Cody Asher, a senior communication arts major who is minoring in theatre and whose previous UIW roles include nice guys like The Tempest’s Gonzalo and A Christmas Carol’s Bob Cratchit, shows his angry side as the blind seer Tiresias. Several new freshmen and transfer students also make their UIW stage debuts in various roles.

Dr Robert Ball directs the show, and said about the production that they “strove to treat each character as if he or she acts with good intent and makes choices he or she believes to be morally correct.” He also said he hopes that audience members might leave the theatre wondering if there were any irredeemable villains in the play or if everyone were actually just a victim.

Melissa Gaspar’s lighting and set design are fabulous as ever. Many parts of the set are in a semi-ruined state, reflecting the fact that the play begins the day after a vicious civil war has come to an end in Thebes. Margaret Mitchell (with assistance from UIW senior Stephanie Quiroz) has designed costumes that capture the feel of Ancient Greece while still having something timeless about them. In addition to playing the role of the messenger in the play, UIW theatre major Eric Montoya served as sound designer and composer, creating original music to accompany the play.

It all comes together to create an emotional and thought-provoking drama that is well worth taking the time to see.

If you’d like to come see the show, there are showings this weekend Saturday and Sunday nights, and next weekend, Thursday through Saturday. For showtimes and to reserve tickets, you can call 210-829-3800 or stop by the Box Office between 3-6pm Monday-Saturday. Tickets are free for UIW students and faculty. Adult tickets cost $10, seniors $9, and non-UIW students $8. This is your last chance to see student theatre until next semester, so come check it out while you’ve got the chance!