Reprinted with permission.
UW-Stout students Theo Linder (the chorus lead), Meghan Olson (Antigone) and Kyle Basom
(Creon) rehearse a scene for the Greek tragedy “Antigone.” The show deals with one woman
trying to get a proper burial for her brother. Themes in the play written in 441 B.C. are relevant
today, actors said. UW-Stout Theater is putting on the show starting Wednesday at Mabel
Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie.
On the Town, Page 1F
Nov. 8, 2015
Classic Greek tragedy ‘Antigone’ features relatable
themes, history
By Pamela Powers
Menomonie News Bureau
MENOMONIE – UW-Stout Theater’s production of the Greek tragedy “Antigone” is remaining
true to the classic production first written for an Athens play festival in 441 B.C.
“We are going with traditional Greek costumes that would have been worn at the time,” said UWStout Theater director Paul Calenberg.
Reprinted with permission.
There will be masks donned by the chorus in the show. When first written by Greek philosopher
Sophocles, masks helped the audience define characters because actors tended to perform in
multiple parts.
Despite being written long ago, the themes “Antigone” addresses are still relevant today,
Calenberg noted.
“Real family steps up when there is conflict and drama,” he said.
Women’s rights are a part of the play, he said, noting that equal wage issues are still being
debated today.
“At this time in Greek society women had virtually no rights,” Calenberg said. “You have a
strong character Antigone fighting for the rights of women.”
The play also addresses the same struggles any democracy faces — the rights of the individual
versus the rights of the state, he noted.
Man-made law versus divine law is another universal theme of the tragedy, he said.
In “Antigone” two brothers who fought for opposite causes in a war are dead. Polynices, the
brother who fought for the losing side, won’t be given a proper burial by government decree. His
sisters clash over what to do, with the character Antigone determined to defy government orders
and see that Polynices’ body is not left on the battlefield.
Antigone’s defiance has far-reaching effects.
Meghan Olson, 20, a junior majoring in early childhood education, is performing in the title role.
“Antigone is very headstrong and very devoted to the love of her family,” Olson said. “To Greeks
family was sacred.”
The part has challenged her with Antigone’s deep passions and religious beliefs.
The play has large lyrical monologues that were difficult to memorize, Olson noted.
“I really want people to think when they see this play,” she said. “The production is still so
relevant today. They will be able to experience a traditional Greek tragedy in a very traditional
way.”
Theo Linder is the chorus lead and Haemon, the ruler’s son in the show, and also Antigone’s
fiancé.
Reprinted with permission.
Haemon’s father is trying to take more power for himself and remove power from the senate.
“He is ruining democracy by trying to give one man power,” said the 18-year-old freshman game
design major.
In the chorus one of the challenges is wearing the masks.
“We have to be very still figures,” Linder said. “At the same time we have to convey a little
emotion to let the audience know we are still acting.”
It’s been over 15 years since UW-Stout Theater has produced a Greek tragedy, Calenberg said.
“I thought it was time to expose the theater students to the genre as well as the community as a
whole,” he said. “It is very appropriate for the academic setting. We need to explore different
styles and genres of theater.”
“Antigone” is one of his favorite plays, Calenberg said.
“I love the poetry of it,” he said, noting the words are very descriptive.
All the violence is off stage and audience members must use their imaginations.
“The audience has to be very active and participate in the process,” he said.
Scene and lighting design was done by Jennifer Sansfacon, an assistant professor at UW-Stout.
Barb Weisenberger, of Eau Claire created the costume design and original music was written by
Landon Profaizer of Eau Claire.