CCNY’s “Antigone” Reframes a Classic Through a Feminist Lens

Design by Zury Cordova

By Sara Outar

This April, the CCNY Theatre Department debuted the long-anticipated production of Sophocles’ Antigone, reimagined through a feminist lens with an almost all-women cast.  

Antigone is set after the events of a civil war in Thebes. When Antigone’s brother, Polynices, dies in battle after trying to destroy Thebes, King Creon forbids honoring his death. Thus, Antigone follows a young woman who chooses to bury her brother, an act forbidden by the king. The decision to defy the king’s rule leads to Antigone's punishment and, ultimately, her death.    

CCNY’s production doesn’t center around the tragedy of Antigone, but instead showcases the titular character as an unshakable force that we sympathize with. When confronted by King Creon, it is clear Antigone’s conviction is strong, as she feels no regret for her decision. Actress Karina Verna embodies Antigone in such a powerful and emotional way, leaving the audience with anticipation. One particular moment from Verna’s performance that stuck with me as I watched was when Antigone looked out into the audience and called us out for “holding our tongues.” The moment when she broke the fourth wall felt like she was accusing us and demanding more from us.  

Luke Calderon, who played King Creon, was able to capture the character’s stubbornness and harsh tyranny, his voice echoing through the auditorium. Calderon was able to share his experience working on this production and his reflections for what this play stands for. He noted the play’s relevance today, despite it taking place in Ancient Greece, explaining that people often believe they would have stood for justice in the past, but struggle to do so in the present. “We look back and say, ‘Oh, I would have been standing with them’,” he says, “but there are movements happening now.” He hopes that the play urges audiences to ask themselves “where do they stand today.” A powerful sentiment that the play asks the audience over and over again. 

The success of this production can be attributed to the actors, but also the hard work put in by the director, Bridget Kelso Anthony. As described by Calderon, Anthony had “a very clear vision of the kind of production she wanted to put on.” That vision is evident throughout. From the lighting and the music shifting to dramatize each scene and create emotional stakes, to the beautiful backdrop used in a way I’d never seen before from a CCNY theater production. 

In the finale, these visual elements were used in an unforgettable way. The lighting dims, powerful music plays as images of women from history were projected onto the screen. Not just women who had great accomplishments, but also victims. The audience watches as their faces go one by one, fading into each other. This is the moment when this production goes beyond just Antigone’s story and connects her to a history of women who have been silenced, have resisted, and have been unjustly treated. 

This production had an emotional impact that was only strengthened through the convincing roles of the actors and the moving visual effects. As an audience member, I definitely left the theater feeling a new sense of pride to be a woman, whilst also questioning a lot. This play makes you confront your own actions, and whether you’ve been a silent audience member watching injustices happen today. 

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Sara Outar is a sophomore pursuing her bachelor's degree in Childhood Education and English. She has always been passionate about reading and creating literature which led her to join The Paper. In her free time she enjoys fiber arts such as crocheting, knitting, and sewing.