Actors of Dionysus: Antigone

Actors of Dionysus was founded in 1993, as they describe it, ‘to put flesh on the bones of Ancient Greek drama and to provide innovative and accessible versions of this rich canon of work.’ The company tours its productions to regional venues and several have been made available on DVD. This production of Antigone dates from 2017, but filmed performances can also be purchased of Medea, Lysistrata and Oedipus.

The production is an adaptation of the original play – and sets the story in a non-specific dystopian future location, featuring Artifical Intelligence in place of the traditional chorus, and drones instead of the birds whose entrails are read by augurs. Writer Christopher Adams has also incorporated a number of literary and historical references into the adaptation which post-date the original text but really serve to bring its relevance and timelessness to the attention of contemporary audiences. Quotations from Romeo and Juliet highlight the universality of the theme of self-sacrifice made in the name of love; references to Donald Trump's horrific ‘pussy grab’ tape and to figures including Joan of Arc, Emily Wilding Davison and Malala Yousafzai remind us of the plight, resilience and influence of women. All of it links beautifully together to make an ancient story feel absolutely up to date.

The cast, directed by artistic director Tamsin Shasha, played a significant part in the development of the script in a collaborative rehearsal process which they discuss in detail in a more-than 30 minute extra interview film on the DVD. This process also incorporated development of a language of movement which is integral to the storytelling – and in particular to the AI aspects of it.

The performances are excellent – multi-roling in all five actors’ cases allows students to see what variety and versatility can be brought to a production with relatively limited resources – almost no changes in costume are used to facilitate these switches of character: merely accents and distinct physicality. Likewise, a simple but effective set by Helen Coyston infuses the piece with a darkness and foreboding which captures the oppressive environment of a totalitarian state.

Actors of Dionysus is not a company with heaps of money: the extra films on the DVD, featuring interviews with actors, director and writer, are basic and ‘home-made’ in style – the sound and image quality isn't always brilliant, and the menu page features a squashed and somewhat blurred image – but none of this detracts from the value of what is an excellent rendition of an ancient play: an exemplary piece of ensemble work and a clever and clear adaptation.