The Asylum Theatre has delved deep into Greek mythology for their current show. Antigona is based on Sophocles’ play, written by José Watanabe, and translated by Cristina Pérez Díaz.
It’s set in the aftermath of the Trojan Wars. Creon is both King and uncle to a family torn apart by conflict. Two brothers lie dead: Eteocles and Polynices.
The first to be given full morning and funeral rites, the second to be left uncovered at the mercy of vultures, vermin and dogs.
Two sisters, Ismene and Antigone are left behind. The younger, and bolder, Antigone, seeks to defy the legal proclamation and save Polynices from public shame.
Directed by Sarah O’Connell, this Antigona is a showcase for one performer, Gigi Guizado, who acts as narrator and storyteller, while portraying a range of characters.
A shrug of the shoulders, a change of gait, or use of the limited number of props, allows Guizado to morph from King to Seer, from guard to fool, from Antigone to her beloved cousin, Haemon.
Her presence and charisma allows her to draw in us, the audience, as confidants and observers, crowd and jury. It is a confident and assured hour with a script that makes it easy to follow the story.
With the occasional use of projections to set the scene, and some excellent lighting work (designed by Axis deBruyn), Antigona connects on a emotional and technical level.
We feel the grandeur of the palace and misuse of power; we feel the danger of the deserted battlefield into which Antigone creeps to cover her brother with a fine layer of dust, and we feel the oppressive darkness of her prison where no drop of water can soothe her thirst.
This production does not need the opulence of detailed sets, and the one costume (by RuBen Permel) that stands for many reminds us where we are in time and space.
Watanabe has captured the loyalty and tragedy of Antigona in his play, now staged in this small and atmospheric venue. It stands back and allows Guizado to create a vicious and unbending world in which one young girl puts familial love above all else.
A marvellous production.
Antigona continues at Barons Court Theatre until 13 July with tickets here.
*****