Antigone

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very meticulous and precise. It involved a lot of training to get the actors connecting with each other, to literally have the same breaths as one another. They trained intensely everyday for weeks preparing for the show; they do train together for pre-show for an hour to activate the link they have with one another. Throughout the performance, there was a great deal of heavy breathing and eccentric body movements. The movements were frozen like a painted picture, very still. What was strange is that while watching you did not notice them moving, but noticed they were fixed in a different position. “How did they do that?!” came to mind when switching off looking at a character. Not every movement was slow; there were parts when the actors were moving energetically and crisp. For example when Steven Rishard separated from the group and began to speak separately as the messenger. It started off subtly and minuscule; keeping his hips tight, isolating his rib cage shoulders, elbows, hands and fingers, essentially making the movements bigger and bigger as he took another step; while at the same time breathing with his cast at the same pace. What was beautiful about this part was there was no distinction between difference of who was following who; did they follow Rishard’s breath or did he follow theirs. He quietly took his position as the chorus member and they moved tenaciously and close-nit, as if no one ever divided from the group. Another amazing occurrences were with Paolo Musio and Ed Swidey. Musio, the chorus leader was very engaged and connected throughout the entire performance. He was still through the entire show, standing in one spot, with exceedingly minor movements. Ed Swidey moved without moving, which was fascinating to watch. The practice and attention it took to achieve that took a lot of work and dedication. They never lost their characters or disengaging from their audience. It was amazing to watch.

In all, this show was done profoundly. The audience felt the intensity from the actors. Terzopoulos steared his actors in the right direction. He collectively made the lighting, visuals and sounds work cohesively, making it hard to imagine Antigone done any other way. Although there were obstacles, such as: the Greek language used, and trying to project the english translation, the show was put together attractively.