Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents New Adaptation of ANTIGONE, 3/22-4/15

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) presents a new world premiere adaptation of Sophocles' tragic classic greek tragedy, Antigone, which pits the courageous title character against King Creon and the laws of Thebes in defense of her brother's honor with fatal consequences. Antigone will run from March 22nd to April 15th every Thursday through Sunday except Easter (4/8) at Maryland Ensemble Theatre (31 W. Patrick St. Frederick MD 21701). All shows are at 8pm except Sundays at 7pm and one Sunday matinee at 2pm on April 1 which will be followed by a talk back with the writer, director, cast and special guest Linda Pappas Funsch, a Middle East scholar from Frederick Community College . Tickets are $15 - $24 (except $5 preview performance on 3/22) and may be purchased online at marylandensemble.org, by phone at (301) 694-4744 or in person at the MET box office. The opening will be celebrated on Sunday, March 25th at 6pm with a pre-show reception catered by The Greene Turtle preceding the performance at 7pm.

Antigone was written by the Greek playwright Sophocles approximately in 422 BC. It was the third of his Theban plays, the other two being Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus, which explore the story of Antigone's father, King Oedipus, who is infamous for unknowingly killing his father and marrying his mother. The plays are written in the classic Greek style, with each play beginning with a prologue, and a chorus performing in the background as the observers and citizens of Thebes.

This new adaptation was written by MET ensemble member Reiner Prochaska. Also an actor, Prochaska has been seen many times on the MET stage, most recently as Reverend Mike in Why Torture is Wrong and the People who Love Them. He has also adapted other classic plays at MET, including The Canterbury Tales, produced in the spring of 2010. According to press notes, this new adaptation of Antigone is unique as it does not simply retell the original story but deconstruct the themes of honor, integrity, righteousness, grief, and individual versus communal rights.

As this ancient play is retold, the audience is soon taken forward in time to other stories with the same themes, proving how Antigone's moral compass and her defiance of unjust laws have lived on for centuries. The members of the chorus play numerous parts throughout these episodes; although their names may change, their common roles as either nurtures, patriarchs, or idealists remain constant throughout the production.

Prochaska explains why these scene changes are so crucial to this production: "Most adaptations seem to stay in the same time and place. My adaptation differs in that sense because I wanted to explore the themes of the story not only in a contemporary context but also in a historical context. One episode is set in 1618 in Germany, one in 1862 in Maryland, and one in 1923 in Southern Ireland. We hope to convey that this story has taken place throughout history and all over the world."

The play is directed by MET's associate Artistic Director Julie Herber and a stars a talented cast featuring Devin Gaither, Ashley Hall, Joe Jalette, Karen Paone, Reiner Prochaska, Bill Stitely, and Vanessa Strickland.

ANTIGONE INFORMATION

Starring: Devin Gaither* (Female Chorus #3), Ashley Hall* (Female Chorus #2), Joe Jalette (Male Chorus #3), Karen Paone (Female Chorus #1), Reiner Prochaska* (Male Chorus #1), Bill Stitely (Male Chorus #2), and Vanessa Strickland* (Antigone)

Directors and Designers: Jeanine Collins (Prop Design), Julie Herber (Director/ Set Design), Thom Huenger (Original Music), Geoff Huntoon (Assistant Stage Manager), Tad Janes (Set Design), JoAnn Lee (Set Design), Tom Majorov (Sound Design), Ken Poisson (Set Design), Carey Rausch (Light Design), Sarah Schulman (Stage Manager), Sherry Shaner (Costume Design), Reiner Prochaska (Videography), Brandon Kayda (Percussion)

*Maryland Ensemble Company Members

Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701

Date: March 22 - April 15

When: March 22* @ 8PM (Preview)
Thursday - Saturday @ 8PM, Sunday 3/25 & 4/15 @ 7PM, Sunday 4/1 @ 2PM.
* Preview Performance ($5 tickets available at the door/no reservations)

Ticket Prices: $24 Adult, $20 Student/Senior, $15 Thursday & Sunday evenings
Additional Service Fees may apply.

Box Office: 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org or at the MET (Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 3pm, Friday 11am - 3pm and 1 hour before each show.)