In Search of Greek Theatre #1: Antigone (2012) | National Theatre

Summary

Lucy Jackson and Erin Lee explore Greek tragedies staged at the National Theatre, using the archive to examine how ancient plays are adapted for modern audiences. They discuss the 2012 production of 'Antigone', directed by Polly Findlay, highlighting set design, costumes, and the chorus's transformation into an office ensemble, reflecting contemporary themes and moral dilemmas.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The National Theatre Archive contains a wealth of material from productions since 1963, including photographs, scripts, and set models, which provide insights into the artistic and practical decisions behind staging performances.
• 🎭 The collaboration between the director and designer is crucial in determining how productions are staged and set, aiming to create a seamless blend between the stage and the audience's space.
• 🎭 'Antigone', directed by Polly Findlay and translated by Don Taylor in 2012, used the National Theatre's archive to inform its design, aiming to blur the lines between the stage and the audience.
• 🎭 The set design for 'Antigone' mirrored the Olivier Theatre's architecture, using similar materials and colors to integrate the audience into the performance.
• 🎭 The production used contemporary staging elements, such as a table scene reflecting a real-life political event, to draw parallels with current affairs and engage the audience.
• 🎭 Costume design played a significant role in character development, with Antigone's attire reflecting her transition from a youthful, feminine character to one who has undergone a physically demanding task.
• 🎭 The production team meticulously researched to create realistic portrayals of characters like Tiresias, focusing on injuries that could result from modern conflicts.
• 🎭 The chorus in 'Antigone' was modernized, with each member having distinct roles and backstories, diverging from the traditional collective identity of ancient Greek theatre.
• 🎭 The ensemble worked to create a realistic 'office ballet,' with props on wheels and meticulously choreographed movements to support the central conflict between Creon and Antigone.
• 🎭 The National Theatre Archive is a valuable resource for exploring the intricacies of past productions and understanding the reinterpretation of classic texts in a modern context.

Q & A

Who are Lucy Jackson and Erin Lee?

Lucy Jackson is an Assistant Professor in Ancient Greek Literature, and Erin Lee is the Head of Archive at the National Theatre.

What is the purpose of the series of films they are discussing?

The purpose of the series of films is to explore Greek tragedies that have been staged at the National Theatre, using the archive records as a starting point to examine the practicalities of staging ancient Greek plays in a modern setting.

What types of items can be found in the National Theatre archive?

The archive contains thousands of items including photographs, prompt scripts, technical drawings, set models, and more, dating back to the opening night in 1963.

What is the significance of staging Greek plays as productions rather than just literature?

Staging Greek plays as productions allows for a new perspective on these ancient works, prompting fresh questions about their relevance today and the artistic and practical considerations involved.

Which famous Greek play was staged at the National Theatre in 2012?

Sophocles' 'Antigone' was staged at the National Theatre in 2012.

Who directed and translated 'Antigone' in the 2012 production?

The 2012 production of 'Antigone' was directed by Polly Findlay and translated by Don Taylor.

How did the set design for 'Antigone' integrate with the Olivier Theatre's architecture?

The set design for 'Antigone' blended with the architecture and style of the Olivier Theatre by using the same carpet and purple color for the stage and auditorium seats, and a concrete effect that matched the theatre's walls.

What was the director's vision for the setting of 'Antigone'?

The director, Polly Findlay, aimed to create an indeterminate setting to avoid a close-up view of the play and instead allow for a wider perspective.

How did the costume design contribute to the character development in 'Antigone'?

The costume design for 'Antigone' was in line with a 20th and 21st-century setting, with Antigone's dress highlighting her youth and femininity. The change in her costume after burying her brother indicated the physical demands of the task and her transformation.

What was the significance of the wedding dress in the context of 'Antigone'?

The wedding dress was meant to symbolize the grim irony between marriage and death, as Antigone's life as a bride is cut short by her execution. However, it seems this costume was not used in the final production.

How was the chorus presented in the 2012 production of 'Antigone'?

The chorus in the 2012 production was presented as a group of individual male characters, each with their own backstory and job, moving independently to maintain the government of Thebes, which is a modern take on the traditional Greek chorus.

What was the impact of the ensemble's activities on the staging of 'Antigone'?

The ensemble's activities provided a significant counterbalance to the central conflict, contributing to the smooth, choreographed movement of the actors on stage, which was likened to an 'office ballet'.