A Powerful “Antigone” Opens This Weekend

This weekend, upper school thespians will debut their rendition of “Antigone,” a tragedy by Sophocles. 

The 2,500-year-old play will take place in a post-World War II era with Estherwood mansion as the set. Upper school theater teacher and “Antigone” director Beth Manspeizer decided to set the play outside the estate of the king, Creon. “Estherwood is the perfect place for this,” Manspiezer said. “Theater can be performed anywhere, and environmental and site-specific theater is always a joy!” 

Using the space outside Estherwood for a performance was new to Remy Pearlman ’25, who plays Ismene, Antigone’s sister. She’s enjoyed the experience, which has taught her that “Change is good, and change can happen.”

Pearlman said that the play hews closely to its genre. “Audiences should expect tragedy,” she said, though she noted that there is “a little bit of humor.

“There's so much nuance in the play. It's a story about passion, it's a story about family. It's a story about learning what's wrong and right — and learning that based on reaping what you sow. Creon learns that in the end. Antigone definitely learns that.” 

The play has two casts; Josie Leff ’25 and Gifty Baah ’25 both play the title role. 

Leff has enjoyed playing a character the same age as herself: “She's a kid, and that's something that is often glossed over in professional productions. They make her out to be this strong, fierce heroine — and she is that — but she's also a teenager. I personally have been having a lot of fun playing her as somebody my age.” 

Despite being in separate performances, Leff and Baah have been working closely together on their character. 

“We've been really tight this season, working on our lines together, talking about our interpretations,” Leff said. 

Senior Alex Cooperstock has performed in 10 Masters Mainstage productions and is taking on the role of Haemon, the son of Creon and Eurydice who is in love with Antigone. The director’s choice to set the play in the mid-1900s has helped him personalize and develop Haemon. 

“It’s been nice to have a time period to ground ourselves,” Cooperstock said. “It's really informed the costumes and the sets. And at least for me, it informed some of the choices I've made with my character.” 

Manspeizer said, “Audiences can expect a thoughtful project that allows us to consider the ideas of fate versus free will, the law and how citizens interpret it, excessive pride, as well as the concept of one's moral obligation to either themselves or their country. The audience can also expect to feel like they will have an understanding of what a post-war world looks and feels like — how each character in the play is experiencing their own losses in their own way.” 

Because the play takes place outside on Estherwood terrace, audience goers should dress for the weather. Showtimes are: 

Friday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m.