Pilot Theatre’s Antigone

Rich Jevons admires both form and content in Pilot Theatre’s contemporary take on Sophocles’ Greek tragedy.

Antigone

Whilst Pilot’s take on the Greek classic is very much an ensemble piece particular mention should be made of Savannah Gordon-Liburd as Antigone or Tig as she is affectionately known. Her range of performance goes from grief-stricken sister, to stubborn and steadfast ‘insurgent’, pathetic prisoner and fool for love. Her body language expresses all of these roles powerfully and her voice projection, important given the fact that there is a music soundtrack throughout, is second-to-none.

Her adversary Creo (Mark Monero) is played as a wide boy turned tyrant with no holds barred to get his wicked way. His ‘gang’ or ‘set’ of three foot soldiers (Oliver Wilson, Lloyd Thomas, and Sean sagar) are ‘yes men’ in fear of their master and in doubt of his wisdom as well as his destiny. The other key female role sees Doreene Blackstock as Eunice, Creo’s wife and quite hilariously ‘blinged up’ from her impoverished background into a leader’s spouse. It is her insistence on her son Eamon (the brilliant Gamba Cole) severing ties with Tig that causes the tragedy to worsen.

Throughout Roy Williams’ cheeky and up-front dialogue is totally believable both in the way it brings out the relevance of the original story and its setting (though by no means specific) in a contemporary space. Joanna Scotcher’s design assists this fantastically and the use of furniture and props is simply superb and effortless. As ever Marcus Romer’s direction is crystal clear, in particular the sense of status that is so important to the piece.

Another resounding success for Pilot with Greek tragedy given a modern-day poignancy and significance, especially for a younger audience.

Photo: Robert Day

As seen at Lawrence Batley Theatre, 17 October.

Tour includes York Theatre Royal, 21 to 25 October.

Antigone is a Pilot Theatre, Derby Theatre  & Theatre Royal, Stratford East Production.

Click here to read Rich Jevons’ interview with Pilot Theatre’s Artistic Director Marcus Romer on Antigone for the Northern Soul website.