9 / 10
Ziegler’s Antigone isn’t the same play you read in high school. It’s a far more urgent work that resurfaces one of Western literature’s first female revels, and gives her a new and vital sense of purpose.
8 / 10
Ms. Ziegler structures her play as a blend of the contemporary and the classical, with longer monologues alternating with dialogue. The director, Tyne Rafaeli, smoothly integrates the two styles, and the wonderful Ms. Keenan-Bolger, who has most of the choral duties, is excellent at finessing the longer passages (some of Dicey’s personal history could benefit from telescoping) so that they do not devolve into hollow speeches. That said, the central theme—of women’s powerlessness through the ages, even over their own bodies—gets a perhaps over-thorough workout.
The Public Theatre has released videos of scenes from Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), which stars Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Shalhoub, Susannah Perkins, and more. The play is written by playwright Anna Ziegler.
Tony winner Celia Keenan-Bolger talks ANTIGONE (This Play I Read In High School) at The Public Theater, working with direct address, the legacy of Spelling Bee, and more in this Broadway Deep Dive.
Check out this video from rehearsals for Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), running now through April 5 at the Barbaralee Theater (formerly Anspacher Theater).
The Public Theater's world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), by Anna Ziegler and directed by Tyne Rafaeli, opens tonight. The reviews are in for the starry production. See what the critics had to say in our roundup below!
The Public's world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), by Anna Ziegler and directed by Tyne Rafaeli, just celebrates its opening night. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big night and you can check out photos here.
You can now get a first look at production photos of The Public's world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), by Anna Ziegler and directed by Tyne Rafaeli.
The Public Theater has released a teaser trailer for the world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School). The video features Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Shalhoub, and more.
The Public Theater will present a one-week extension ahead of previews beginning for the world premiere of Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), a new play by 2025 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Anna Ziegler.
Rehearsals are underway for The Public Theater's world premiere of ANTIGONE (THIS PLAY I READ IN HIGH SCHOOL), a new play by 2025 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Anna Ziegler and directed by Drama Desk, Drama League, and Lucille Lortel nominee Tyne Rafaeli. Check out photos from rehearsals here!
The Public Theater has revealed additional cast members for the world premiere of ANTIGONE (THIS PLAY I READ IN HIGH SCHOOL), a new play by 2025 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Anna Ziegler.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play | Susannah Perkins |
