Antigone Recharged: The Burial At Thebes at Visual Arts Collective

With the subject of topical theatre still well in mind, the Alley Repertory Theater and their production of Seamus Heaney’s The Burial At Thebes is a sound example. Here is another new company, neck-deep in the second show of its first season. Alley Repertory Theater (ART) describes itself as “a professional, community-driven theater” whose explicit vision is “To be a flagship theater in the Treasure Valley, producing professional and relevant works that engage and entertain audiences, encourage lively dialogues and critical reflection on current events, and elevate community creativity and innovation through the ART of theater.”

ART’s strong mission and vision indicates a need for smart and significant theatre and intention to fill that need in Boise. By producing a contemporary translation of Sophocles’ already relevant Antigone, they are off to a good start. It is the story of a young woman (Antigone, played by Hollis Welsh) who defies her king to observe the law of the gods; it is the story of a leader too bent on protecting his kingdom and too dependent on his royal word (Creon, played by Arthur Glen Hughes); it is the story of that king being so secure in his wisdom that Fate must deal him fitting punishment for his hubris.

Seamus Heaney’s new translation of the Greek tragedy, The Burial At Thebes, was motivated in part by George W. Bush when the Nobel Laureate heard the United States President warn nations, “You’re either with us, or you’re against us.” The production, beyond being one that “encapsulates part of Alley Repertory Theater’s vision,” as Co-Artistic Director Buffie Main notes, is also the company’s first opportunity to bring in guest artists. ART was able to pool money for AEA (Actors’ Equity Association) actor Arthur Glen Hughes and guest director Traven Rice.

From a subtle red, white and blue color scheme in Burial scenic elements, to Creon waving to his chorus as a president would to his press conference, to the four chorus members as journalists armed with notepads, voice recorders and laptops, the Theban environment takes on a clear image of a dignified Oval Office. It is a place of formal and elegant celebration where appearance is everything, from the crisp suit jackets to an impressive black globe that could be a priceless family heirloom. And that is the place where tragedy strikes again and again, one after another, until the majesty spoils to pathetic gloom and blood.

Both Heaney’s translation and the performances promise definite accessibility to the Greek tragedy. Arthur Glen Hughes as Creon gives a healthy dose of charisma to a tyrant, making the king’s ferocious rants even more victorious by mesmerizing appeal. The journalist chorus was a slick source of unlikely wisdom, as was Jesse Bastian as a sweetly nervous guard forced to bear Creon bad news about the disobedient Antigone, an honorable character given a commanding performance by Hollis Welsh.

A noteworthy production, The Burial At Thebes is still playing through Saturday at Visual Arts Collective @ 3638 Osage, Garden City.

It's located in Garden City's new Alley Arts District, just off Chinden Boulevard, behind the Woman of Steel Gallery.

October 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 -- Plus a Special Performance Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - 3 weeks out from the Presidential Election.

Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 pm. $15 advanced tickets, $18 at the door.

TICKETS: Individual tickets: $18. Season tickets: $48, or $90 for two.

To order tickets: Please email your ticket request to alleyreptheater@clamcity.com or call them @ (208) 388-4ART [4278].