By Elijah Teel ‘26 (Reporter)
Emma Giordano ‘25 (left) and Jules Barrial ‘26 (right) in the opening scene
“We begin in the dark and birth is the death of us,” Antigone opens, setting up one clear idea for the audience: that death’s cold presence will be a main part of the play. Antigonick, the Upper School’s fall play this year, dealt with far darker themes than in previous years and left a significant impact on audiences over the three nights it played. The story follows Antigone, daughter of legendary Oedipus and played by Juliet Barrial ‘26, whose mission to bury her dead brother leads her straight to the palace of Kreon, king of Thebes, played by Sean Scott ‘25, who has decreed the burial unlawful. They have a fierce argument that ends with Kreon sending Antigone away to die. Kreon’s decision sets off a chain of events that leaves a horrible trail of death and destruction that ultimately impacts him in ways he does not foresee.
Antigonick is at heart a tragedy, and director Megan Schumacher did an excellent job of conveying the ominous atmosphere that progressed through the play. Antigonick is distinguished from Anne Carson’s original adaptation, which retains the name Antigone, by the titular character, Nick, played by Cai Dunne ‘28. A representation of time (i.e., the nick of time) and death, Nick is present for the majority of the show, observing characters and plot events and even leading characters offstage to their dooms.
The play featured a talented ensemble of Upper Schoolers to play the historically significant roles. Jules Barrial’s fiery Antigone was well-matched by Sean Scott’s cold and seething Kreon. Emma Giordano ‘25 played a heartfelt Ismene, Antigone’s sister, and Lucas Hoffmann ‘27 imbued Haimon, Kreon’s son, with a thoughtful loyalty towards his father, which later turned into sharp criticism. Lawrence Wu ‘28, who played Teiresias, the blind prophet, powerfully delivered a foreboding prophecy that shook Kreon to his core, and Brynn Underwood ‘27 brought the perfect solemnity to her role as the Messenger, who, in a similar manner as Teiresias, relayed information that broke Kreon’s heart. Kourtney Moore ‘27 captured the essence of the self-centered Guard who feels only slightly bad about turning in Antigone to ensure his own safety. Olwyn Palumbos ‘26, who played Eurydike, Kreon’s wife, offered a deeply reflective monologue about the nature of life and time. The Greek Chorus, played by Kaelin Day ‘27, Peter Hu ‘27, Teddy Lohse ‘28, and Sophia Nagele ‘28, skillfully narrated the entire show.
The show would not have been possible without the efforts of the wonderful FCS stage crew team, led by technical director Jerry Kapral. Some sound design choices that added to the experience were the slow drip-drip of water at the start and end of the play and the sound of crumbling stone, representative of Kreon’s kingdom collapsing around him, that persisted throughout. The breathtaking Greek-inspired set was a sight to behold and perhaps the most impressive result of stage crew’s tireless work.
Antigonick was a huge success, and although it is set long ago, its universal messages and warnings for the present are unmistakable. Here’s to another great fall play!
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