Utica University’s production of Antigone, a trilogy of Theban plays written in the 5th century B.C. by Sophocles, was powerfully reimagined by the Theatre Department’s cast and crew. Directed by Rachel M. E. Wolfe, with stunning set design by Laura Salvaggio, the audience was transported into the world of the ancient Greeks.
This story follows Antigone in the aftermath of a gruesome war between her two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices. Both brothers defeated each other and left Creon, their uncle, to rule Thebes. Creon claims Polynices as a traitor and must not be buried while Antigone chooses family over the King’s wishes.
The production ran from Thursday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 26 in Strebel Auditorium and featured Africa In Motion on opening night. This performance was a live dance that set the tone for an unforgettable play.
I attended the opening night show and chose a seat up front so I could take in all the action. The opening scene had an emotional impact that immediately drew me in and set the tone for the entire play. It was memorable because Africa In Motion’s performance demonstrated the conflict between Antigone’s brothers. As the cast joined the performance they did a great job of advancing the plot and deepening the connection with the audience.
Gabriella Hudziak, a recent Utica University alumna, played the part of Creon, King of Thebes. Gabriella was amazing in the role. The words were executed perfectly. I felt the emotions through not only their voice but through their facial expressions that conveyed the King’s pride, anger and remorse. Gabriella did an excellent job of showing flawed leadership and inner turmoil. By the end of the play, Creon was full of regret as his first born passed. The audience felt his deep regret and left us reflecting on his actions.
I loved how Jasmine Wilson, a junior, portrayed Antigone. The cries when she found out her brother was dead, the resentment, the screams, and the push back that was given by this character – everything was executed perfectly and honestly she was my favorite character. She was fearless and still buried her brother against her King’s wishes. She was determined to go against the King and rebel for what she thought was right. Wilson truly embodied this character and should be proud.
Isabella Hudziak, another recent alumna, delivered a powerful performance as Teiresias, the blind prophet and only character who can communicate with the “Gods.” Teiresias brings wisdom and spiritual insight. Later in the play, Teiresias arrives within the crowd to warn Creon that he will suffer terrible consequences if he doesn’t act on change. Isabella was so convincing even while blindfolded, she confidently moved around the stage never once appearing unsure of where she was walking. There were no stumbles, no stutters, not even off balance just a commanding voice that captured the character quite well. Her performance was outstanding, Isabella put in some hard work to pull this character off.
The supporting cast also deserves applause. Michelle Jackson, as Eurydice, Haemon, the first born, Wyatt Callahan, first guard, and Jerrod Scroggs, second guard. Together, they created an energetic show that kept the audience engaged.
Also worth highlighting were the technical sound design that was created through SUNO A.I. The sounds were immersive and each piece played perfectly and added to the story.
Throughout the play there were recorded videos that had been shown on screen at different times. Jonas America, a film director and current student in the Communication and Media program, did a great job at capturing the reporter’s scenes, Creon’s speech and Antigone and Haemon’s death scene. The short films added a nice touch between real life and video. Great creativity and the switches kept me engaged and kept the audience wondering on what is going to happen next.
Antigone was truly an experience. The cast, crew, directors and designers really left their mark. This was a great production and left me reflecting on the message about pride and justice. We have amazing talent here in Utica and I am excited to see what the theatre department has in store for us next.
