FHSU University Marketing and Strategic Communication
What rights are worth sacrificing your life to defend? That question lies at the heart of Antigone, the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, and remains relevant in a modern world.
Fort Hays State University’s Department of Music and Theatre will present Antigone Oct. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. in Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall.
The production is based on an adaptation by French playwright Jean Anouilh, which premiered in Paris in 1944 during the Nazi occupation.
“It has a particularly poignant take on speaking up against tyranny,” said Catherine Trieschmann, director of theatre.
FHSU’s production will offer a modern interpretation of the story, blending elements of ancient Greek culture with contemporary influences. The soundtrack will combine classical experimental music from the 1940s with modern hip-hop, while the costumes will blend contemporary youth fashion, hip-hop culture, and ancient Greek design.
Costumes are being created by Cristi Green and three student workers, with garments made from scratch or adapted from existing materials.
“The costumes are sort of a mix of modern youth clothing and hip-hop culture with ancient Greek lines,” Trieschmann said. “Everything is made from scratch, either using existing things we modify or creating things from a pattern.”
The production also provides students with hands-on opportunities to develop their skills. Green said the student costume team members bring a range of sewing experience, from beginners to those who have worked with her for multiple seasons.
“They are taking a lot of pride in their work,” she said.
The production will also feature a collaboration with FHSU’s Department of Art and Design. Linda Ganstrom, professor of art and design, has created Greek-style ceramics for the show, while works by ceramics students will be displayed in the lobby of Malloy Hall before performances.
The set, designed by Joel Williams, associate professor of theatre, will evoke a sacred rock outcropping, with a circular, organic appearance. The space will serve as the gathering place where the young characters come together to tell the story.
Through its combination of classical tragedy, contemporary music and design, and student and faculty collaboration, FHSU’s Antigone invites audiences to consider the enduring questions of individual conscience, authority, and the price of standing up for one’s beliefs.
The cast includes: Antigone - Allie Straub, Hays; Nurse - Holly Trullinger, Jetmore; Ismen - Lilly Kimberlin, Holton; Creon - Brett Dreher, Hays; Jonas - Caleb Johnson, Hays; Haemon - Blaise Staab, Hays; Chorus/Messenger - Sam Schroeder, Paradise; Chorus/Page - Emily Mohr, Clearwater; Chorus/Eurydice - Sophie Miller, Hays; Chorus/Guard - Dawson Dickerson, Riley; Stage Manager - Faith Woods, Beloit.
Performance Information
Antigone will be presented at Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.
For ticket information, visit the Fort Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre website at Theatre Tickets | Fort Hays Arts.