Hesston College theatre bringing “Antigone” to the stage

Caption: Actors Caroline Miller as Antigone, Chloe Robinson as Ismene and Desirae Rodriguez as Nurse prepare to impress audiences during a rehearsal this week. “Antigone” will take the stage in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater September 26 through 28 at 7 p.m. and September 29 at 2 p.m.

Hesston College Theatre Department is set to captivate audiences with their production of “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh. Performances will be held in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater at 7 p.m. September 26 through 28 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 29.

Inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles, Anouilh wrote this version in 1944 about the then-current Nazi occupation of France. Even with historic roots, this play continues to invoke thought relevant to current issues.

“Themes of war, tyranny and questions regarding laws of man and gods are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago,” explains Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre. “In this election year, I think producing a play about power and how it is handled could make for some good discussions.”

A shorter play with no intermission, attendees will enter into the theater space through a scenic facade with 12-foot columns around them which are intended to make them feel included in the same space as the actors. Themes of war, death and abuse of power run throughout the performance. While there is no blood or coarse language, it is best suited for audiences over age 12.

Jantzi says one of her favorite aspects of this production has been the collaboration on the set and lighting design with fellow Newton Community Theatre executive board members Jocelyn Wilkinson and Jeffrey Graber, both of Newton. She is also excited to see the play take the stage knowing it is a difficult one to produce, but that she has students who can pull it off.

“It has been inspiring to watch my students really feed on this script and push themselves to expand on these characters and fully flesh them out. The sheer amount of line work that is required of Creon and Antigone is incredible,” Jantzi says. “We’ve taken some risks with this show, conceptually, but every choice has been carefully considered so that the concept doesn’t lack reason.”

Students involved in this production include Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan., Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan., Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan., Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla., Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan., Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo., Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan., Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan., Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam, Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., Hope Dewey of Wichita, Kan., Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan., Zoe Duran of Newton, Kan., as well as HC staff member Jose Gloria of Newton.

This show has also been entered for adjudication in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. An adjudicator will be on campus for the Thursday evening performance, meet with the cast, crew and production team and offer their response to the show. The adjudicator will select one or two student actors to perform with their acting partner and represent Hesston College in January at the Regional Festival in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Hesston College Bookstore (hesston.edu/bookstore) or by phone at 620-327-8105. For more information about “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh, visit hesston.edu/theatre.

High school students are invited to a matinee performance during the annual Hesston College TheatreFest on Wednesday, September 25. This day-long event is structured to equip actors and tech crew members with skills necessary in the theatre industry, advance their abilities and have fun. Students will have an opportunity to audition and interview for a theatre scholarship after the performance. To register and learn more, visit hesston.edu/theatrefest.

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