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Monday, October 3, 2005

Tragic, but not

Periodically I come to the realization that the Twin Cities have some top-notch theater happening all over the metro area, and that I’m seeing almost none of it. It seems people my age just aren’t into the theater, unless it’s Wicked or Rent. We’d rather stand and look at the same people in the same bars, drinking the same drinks, listening to the same music, wearing the same clothes… You get my drift.

Yesterday, though, prompted by cheap tickets, I escaped the routine and saw Sophocles’ tragic Antigone at Jeune Lune, my favorite theater.

I have several friends who are experts in ancient history. They can discuss the political climate of 500 B.C., order McDonald’s in Latin, and draw a family tree of the Greek gods. (It has strange looking branches.)

I, on the other hand, don’t know Zeus from Oedipus. Last night was the first time I’d heard of Aeschylus, the third of the great Greek tragedians (along with Euripedes and Sophocles).

My ignorance didn’t prevent my joy, though, at Jeune Lune’s version of Antigone. Like the two other productions I’ve seen there, the theater manages to translate even ancient history into terms that are readily applicable to today. It seems that some things don’t change throughout the centuries — like the bullheadedness and narrow vision of national leaders, or questions of loyalty to God or to nation, to family or to leader.

With seven roles played by three people, the actors were busy and talented. (I still don’t get why Creon had a Russian-sounding accent, though.) The youth chorus, altered from the traditional choir of elders, was a little sloppy and lacking in male bass, but that was forgivable. They were, after all, but inexperienced youth.

As always, Jeune Lune did a great job of using their building’s natural space to create an environment well suited to the production. Exposed bricks, scaffolding, pebbles scattered in a circle center stage, fallen statues and various refuse intimated the fall of the city that preceded the plot.

But enough of this review-like crap. The point is this: Get off your butt and do something besides go to the Saloon, Boom, Jet Set or the Eagle. And take me with you.

Posted by Aaron on October 3, 2005 9:53 AM