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NEW YORK CITY | THEATRE REVIEW - Antigone
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December 14, 2006
by Terry Teachout
Jean
Anouilh's oh-so-Parisian 1942 adaptation of "Antigone" is
a cheval of a different color, a modern-dress rewrite of a Greek
tragedy in which the plot was subtly altered to make discreet but definite
reference to the Nazi occupation of Vichy France. You don't have to know
that, though, to delight in the elegance and intelligence with which Anouilh
put a still-fresh spin on Sophocles' timeless tale. Indeed, contemporary
audiences will likely find its self-referentiality to be downright postmodern: "Antigone
is young. She would much rather live than die. But there is no help for
it. When your name is Antigone, there is only one part you can play; and
she will have to play hers through to the end."
Anouilh's once-fashionable plays long ago vanished from Broadway, so I
am happy to report that the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, one of Manhattan's
most artistically ambitious new Off-Off Broadway companies, has given "Antigone" a
revival of exceptionally high quality, played on a near-bare stage and
directed with limpid clarity by Gus Kaikkonen (who, as it happens, also
directed the Mint Theater's "Voysey Inheritance" revival). The
principal roles are beautifully acted by Kelli Holsopple, Douglas McKeown
and Joseph J. Menino. If the soaring cost of theater tickets is getting
you down, here's the cure: You can treat yourself to a memorable production
of a great play for 20 bucks and the cost of a subway ride. Merry Christmas!
Presented by Phoenix Theatre Ensemble at Connelly Theatre, East
4th Street NYC.
thru January 4, 2007. 8
p.m.; (212) 352-3101.