Antigone explores heroism, duty, and honor
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, February 14, 2001
Huntington, Ind. " Huntington College Theatre presents the classic Greek tragedy, Antigone, March 1-3 in the Studio Theatre of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. The timeless play examines conflicting duties to family, to God, and to the state. Sophocles' Antigone is one of the most moving tragedies of all time, said director Joe Ricke, professor of English and theatre at Huntington College. Set in ancient Greece, Antigone is the story of a young girl who stands up against a tyrannical king.
King Creon refuses to let Antigone bury her brother, who had been Creon's major enemy, Ricke explains. Contrary to the laws of the gods (as understood by Greek culture), Creon insists that no enemy of the city deserves to be treated with respect, even after death. Risking her life in defiance of Creon's new law, and honoring her brother despite their political differences, Antigone follows her conscience all the way to the play's tragic conclusion.
For tickets reservations and further information, call Margi Roush at 260-359-4261. Ticket prices are $5 for general audiences, $4 for staff, students, and senior citizens.
Sarah Stanek will play the role of Antigone. A senior pursuing a double major in music and theatre performance, Sarah is the daughter of Steven and Nancy Stanek of Indianapolis, Indiana. She has previously performed in HC Theatre productions of American Dream, Good News, Tartuffe, As You Like It, and The Second Shepherd's Play. Sarah is a graduate of Warren Central High School.
Eva Swan is Antigone's timid sister, Ismene. A senior seeking a degree in theatre performance, Eva is the daughter of Terry and Cinda Swan of Campbellsville, Kentucky. She has previously participated in HC Theatre productions of Good News, As You Like It, Tartuffe, A Christmas Carol, and The Second Shepherd's Play. Eva is a graduate of Taylor County High School.
Jon Bordeaux is Creon. A sophomore pursuing a degree in broadcast communications, Jon is the son of Bill and Linda Bordeaux of Huntington, Indiana. He previously appeared in the HC Theatre production of The Second Shepherd's Play. Jon is a graduate of Huntington North High School.
Phil Salazar is Tieresias, the blind prophet. A sophomore seeking a degree in English education, Phil is the son of Gregory and Sheryl Salazar of Adrian, Michigan. He has previously appeared in HC Theatre productions of A Few Good Men, A Christmas Carol, A Doll's House, and Tartuffe. Phil is a graduate of Lenawee Christian High School.
John Woodruff is the leader of the famous Greek chorus, here representing the elders of Thebes. A junior pursuing a degree in theatre performance, John is the son of John and Lori Woodruff of Brookville, Ohio. He has previously appeared in HC Theatre productions of Good News, A Christmas Carol, Beau Jest, and As You Like It. He is a graduate of Brookville High School.
The performance will be directed by Dr. Joe Ricke, professor of English and theatre at Huntington College. Dr. Ricke received his Ph.D. in Early English literature from Rice University. He has published and presented numerous essays on topics ranging from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew to the value of literary study in Christian higher education. He is a member of the Modern Language Association, the Medieval and Renaissance Drama Society, and the Conference on Christianity and Literature. His poetry has appeared in several journals, including The Rolling Coulter.
Dr. Ricke says the play offers valuable lessons for modern audiences. Antigone explores important and sometimes difficult themes "the nature of heroism; the problem of knowing the will of God in a complex, seemingly ambiguous, situation; the corrupting nature of political power; even the long-term effects of a dysfunctional family.
We have designed the play to be as far away from a contemporary television or film experience as possible, he says. No one can recreate the atmosphere and excitement of ancient Greek tragedy authentically. But we are trying to suggest that world in as many ways as possible.
Theatre performance and theatre design/technology are among Huntington College's most distinctive academic programs. The Christian liberal arts college offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in nearly 50 academic concentrations. For further information, see www.huntington.edu/theatre.
