Centenary Theatre Program presents “Antigone” at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse April 13-16
SHREVEPORT, LA — The Centenary Theatre Program (CTP) is bringing an ancient Greek tragedy to the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse stage this month. Senior theatre major Sabrina Scott will direct performances of Sophocles’ Antigone on April 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and April 16 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at centenary.edu/mlptickets.
Antigone chronicles a dramatic post-war conflict within the family of Oedipus Rex. Oedipus' two sons are killed, and Creon, their uncle, is crowned king of Thebes. Creon orders that only one son be buried, but his niece Antigone believes that both of her brothers deserve to be buried. Conflict ensues between Antigone and Creon over the burial of the brothers, resulting in more tragedy in the family and in the political landscape of Thebes. Exploring themes of civil disobedience, fidelity, and family loyalty and love, Antigone is believed to be the second-oldest surviving play written by Sophocles.
The play’s historical setting and significance appealed to student director Scott.
“I am a big history nerd and lover of the classics,” said Scott. “I haven't had the opportunity to work on a Greek show since I've been at Centenary, so I wanted to give my classmates (as well as myself) the opportunity to work on a project like this. The classics aren't just confined to William Shakespeare's works, and I thought it would be important to expose the CTP students to the early traditions and techniques of the theatre.”
CTP’s production stars Channing Hall as Antigone and Victor Crusan as Creon. Other cast members, all of whom also appear in the Chorus, include Emma Greer, Hailey Chaisson, Noah Bridges, Josie Hodges, Kaeleigh Graham, and Zaviera Brown.
“Choreographing eight different choral odes was very tough,” shared Scott. “The cast was very flexible and very hardworking, though, as they worked together to pick up the choreography. This production will give audiences a look into some early forms of theatre, with a modern twist, and also showcases excellent designs by student designers K. Pierce, Arden Miller, Mary Caruthers, and Cassidy Jones.”
Alan Berry is providing technical direction for the production. The crew also includes CTP students Jasmine Blache (stage manager), Jordan Hall (assistant stage manager), Mina Wendt (props), and Theresa Johnson (hair and makeup).
Scott is a graduate of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches, Louisiana and intends to pursue a master’s degree in theatre history and criticism beginning in fall 2023.