New Hampshire Theatre Project Presents ANTIGONE, Now thru 5/27

The NHTP Senior Repertory Company presents Antigone, running tonight, May 18 through May 27, in a translation by Lewis Galantiere from the play by Jean Anouilh, which was adapted from the original Greek play by Sophocles. Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, is sentenced to execution for burying her dead brother after her uncle, King Creon, declares that his body is to be left for the vultures. The prohibition against desecrating the dead is almost as old as war itself; and recently brought swift punishment to American Marines in Afghanistan.

Anouilh’s version of Antigone was first performed in Paris in 1944 during the German occupation. Produced under censorship, the play is clearly a metaphor for the French Resistance movement and its rejection of fascist authority. NHTP artistic director Genevieve Aichele has chosen to set the play in an imaginary occupied land, where the resistance fighters in hiding dare to put on a play about undermining totalitarian authority. In preparation for this production, Senior Repertory Company members studied the original Greek tragedy, as well as the French resistance movement and contemporary rebels like the Occupy movement. As the final Chorus states, the cause of “Antigones” is always the same: a passionate regard for the sanctity of human dignity.

Other artists involved in the production are assistant director/stage manager Robin Fowler, costume designer Maura Suter, and set/lighting designer Meghann Beauchamp.

Antigone runs May 18-27, 2012, Friday & Saturday @ 7PM, Sunday @ 2PM, at 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Tickets are $20 general admission, $14 students & seniors. Member discounts apply $2 off individual tickets. Reservations recommended: 603-431-6644 x 5, or email reservations@nhtheatreproject.org.

General admission is $20; student & senior admission is $14. Member discounts apply $2 off individual tickets. Once reservations have been secured, payment is accepted on-line at http://www.nhtheatreproject.org/payment/ or send a check to NHTP, 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.