Art Thou Beguil'd Now?: 'Antigone'

'Antigone'

2012
Previews from: 23 May
Opening Night: 30 May
Closing Night: 21 July (extended)
Play by Sophocles in a version by Don Taylor
Director: Polly Findlay
Role: Creon, King of Thebes
Venue: National Theatre, Olivier Theatre

Cast

Playtext (transl. by F. Storr) --- NT page (tickets available)

"Jodie Whittaker plays Antigone and Christopher Eccleston her uncle, Creon, in this thrilling contemporary staging of Sophocles' great drama.

Desperate to gain control over a city ravaged by war, Creon refuses to bury the body of Antigone's rebellious brother. Outraged, she defies him and Creon condemns the young woman to be buried alive." NT

Pre-Press Night Reviews (may contain spoilers):

A Civilian's Guide to the Theatre (blog, May 29), Jonathan Evens (blog, May 29), MissP (blog, May 28), Rachel (blog, May 25), Hamsterfur (Tumblr blog, May 24), Finn Pollard (blog, May 24), Eastendlass (blog, May 23), TheRestrictedReviewer (blog, May 23), Ian (blog, May 23)

Interviews:

• May 16 The Telegraph - Christopher Eccleston interview: "This is why I became an actor"

• May 14 TimeOut London - Interview: Christopher Eccleston

News:

• Coming radio reviews:

May 30 Philip Dodd - Night Waves, BBC Radio 3, 22:00 - site

May 31 Mark Lawson - Front Row, BBC Radio 4, 19:15 - site

Jun 2 Saturday Review, BBC Radio 4, 19:15 - site

• May 19 Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4 - Clive Anderson Attacks The Block with actress Jodie Whittaker, who's about to perform the title role of Antigone at London's National Theatre.

• May 9 'Antigone' rehearsal photos on National Theatre's Facebook page.

• Apr 10 'Antigone' rehearsals start today. (tweet; source)

• In Conversation With Christopher Eccleston: An afternoon interview, talking to Al Senter about his current role in 'Antigone' and his career, and answering your questions. July 19 - info and tickets.

• Director Polly Findlay will discuss her production of Sophocles' play on Jun 1 - info and tickets.

• Feb 10 2012 Christopher Eccleston has been cast as Creon, King of Thebes in 'Antigone':

Desperate to gain control over a city ravaged by civil war, Creon refuses to bury the body of Antigone's rebellious brother. Outraged, she defies his edict. Creon condemns the young woman, his niece, to be buried alive.

He can't forbid me to love my brother. He has neither the right, nor the power, to do that.

The people daren't object but the prophet Teiresias warns that this tyranny will anger the gods: the rotting corpse is polluting the city.

There is no gag like terror, is there, gentlemen?

Creon hesitates and his fate is sealed.

The gods never move faster than when punishing men with the consequences of their own actions.