Jefferson’s theater department is taking on “Antigone” as their first performance of the 2024 school year. With the help of the new theater director, Theresa Ohanian, the theater department will create an immersive experience.
“I wanted to position the audience, so that they will have to look at each other during the play,” Ohanian said.
This approach, which is commonly referred to as circular, or stadium seating in the theater community, allows the audience to be in very close proximity to the performance.
“[It’s] almost as if they were a judge and jury over Antigone’s crimes,” Ohanian said. “So I pitched my idea to the group, and they ran with it.”
All six of these platforms face the center of the stage, one of which is elevated by support beams from the auditorium floor to the stage.
“We built these platforms out of wood to create different levels of seating and we’re going to have some pillows on the floor so people can sit there too,” junior head set designer Daniel Salinas said.
Antigone is the story of a young woman ridden with grief over her brother’s recent death. Antigone defies the king, her uncle, to bury her brother and honor his memory.
“’Antigone’ in its original form was written by Sophocles, but in 1944 Jean Anouilh was looking at the Nazi occupation in Paris and realized he could use Sophocles’ play to comment on his society at the time,” Ohanian said. “That’s the version we’re doing.”
This adaptation of the play, with its powerful themes of defiance and sacrifice, appeals to the cast who have been doing more lighthearted productions for the last few days.
“I’ve never really gotten the opportunity to act in something this dramatic,” senior lead Nikhil Vattathara said. “The themes are pretty heavy, especially considering three characters commit suicide.”
Since this play contains some sensitive topics, Ohanian chose to bring in counselors during one of the rehearsals.
“[Bringing in counselors] was important to me because I want to make sure everyone feels safe,” Ohanian said.
This support from Ohanian has allowed Jefferson theater to continue to flourish and support each other.
“Our community is very close,” Salinas said, “We prioritize communication and everyone knows that they can reach out and ask for help.”
The students share a group chat where they can easily ask for help with academic or personal issues. This promotes the feeling of belonging, from the freshmen to the seniors.
“I would definitely suggest [being in theater] even if you don’t want any acting madness. If you’re looking to be an engineer you can come during 8th periods and learn how the systems operate or just help build stuff,” sophomore tech crew Sab Mitre said.
Performances will be on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. each night and on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“This Greek piece is so impactful,” Ohanian said. “I’m really excited to bring it to [Jefferson].”