Fall Play - Antigone... A Tale of Self-sacrifice

Western Baptist College's Theatre Arts Group presented a stage adaptation of Antigone, a classical Greek myth about a young girl who martyrs herself for her beliefs. 

Writer Jean Anouilh's version is told from a contemporary point of view and includes the use of modern language. 

Antigone is the youngest daughter of the late King Oedipus. Her two older brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, are meant to rule the great city of Thebes, each in alternating years.  The princes go to war with each other and both are killed in battle.  Creon, Antigone's uncle, then assumes the throne and ordains that Eteocles shall be buried with honors while the corpse of Polynices is left on the battlefield. 

Revolted by this inhuman decision, Antigone attempts to bury her brother, but is caught and ultimately put to death by Creon.  Director Beth Suryan feels these events could occur in any country where a dictator sets himself above both religion and the people and what is morally right.

"This myth is worth re-telling and seeing because every age has its "Antigone," Suryan says.  "Her protest and martyrdom provide a revelation to the Thebans. It makes us ask the question, 'What am I willing to sacrifice for my beliefs?'"

The staging of Antigone by the college's thespians took on several interesting twists including having the audience feel as if they are in a museum surrounded by the play's characters.

Freshman Jutta Eisele portrayed Antigone while the evil Creon was played by Western Baptist alum Jason Merrel ('03).

Antigone was staged on Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m., Nov. 12-13, and Nov. 18-20, at 7:30 p.m., at Salem's Scottish Rite Center, 4090 Commercial St., S.E.