Campus Events

9/7 Westminster Shakes up a Utah Tradition with a Modern Twist on Antigone

It’s the same old story but you’ve never seen “Antigone” look like this, during an expanded tour of the
42nd Annual Classical Greek Theatre Festival

What: Sophocles’ Antigone
          The 42nd Annual Classical Greek Theatre Festival
 
When: Sept. 7, 5 p.m. Westminster College, Richer Commons
          Sept. 22-23 and 29-30, 9 a.m. Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
          Sept. 15, 2 p.m. Avenue Theater in Denver, Colorado
          Sept. 15, 8 p.m. University of Colorado – Denver, King Center
          Sept. 17, 5 p.m. Brigham Young University, The de Jong Concert Hall
          Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. Weber State University, Wildcat Theater
          Oct. 6, 11 a.m. Tanner Amphitheater, Springdale, Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster College presents a reimagining of Sophocles’ Antigone in an original production directed by Larry West for the Classical Greek Theatre Festival. The touring production runs Sept. 7 – Oct 6, 2012, and debuts in Salt Lake City on the Westminster Campus. The next stop is Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, a favorite festival location, and the production’s only morning performances. In ancient times, Greek theatre traditionally began at dawn, and Utahns have made their own tradition of bringing a blanket and breakfast to watch the morning production in the garden. The tour continues in Ogden and Provo with new stops in Denver, Colorado, and Springdale, Utah, outside Zion National Park.

In an era of protests and the fall of tyrants, Antigone’s message is both timely and timeless. The play tells the tale of a young woman, a protester defying a king while defending her family. Inspired by the recent Arab Spring movement, West’s production tosses aside the typical costumes of classic Greek theatre for an edgy interpretation of Antigone’s troubled life. Her brothers killed each other, and her uncle wants her executed. And you thought your family was dysfunctional!

Antigone will feature original movement and dance by choreographer Darlene Casanova and a recent American translation by Marianne McDonald. This new production of the 2,500-year-old story follows Creon, ruler of Thebes, in a misguided attempt to keep his power over the city. Antigone must defy Creon’s laws to give her dead brother a proper burial. Be part of the uprising during the 42nd Annual Classical Greek Theatre Festival. An orientation lecture by the dramaturge will begin 30 minutes before each performance.

The tour begins September 7, 2012 at 5 p.m. in the Richer Commons at Westminster College. For ticket information please contact each venue or visit www.westminstercollege.edu/greek_theatre.  The Westminster box office can be reached at 801-832-2457.

Media is invited to photograph dress rehearsal Sept. 5, 2012, 6 p.m. at Westminster College in the Richer Commons.
Media Contacts: Krista DeAngelis & Arikka Von (801) 832-2682

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.