Anna Ziegler’s “Antigone (This Play I Read in High School)” Opens at the Public Theater
Anna Ziegler’s new play, “Antigone (This Play I Read in High School),” opened at the Public Theater in New York City on March 12, 2026, with performances running through March 22, 2026. The production offers a contemporary reimagining of Sophocles’s classic tragedy, exploring themes of bodily autonomy and protest through a modern lens.
A Unique Narrative Structure
Ziegler’s play distinguishes itself through its narrative framing device. The story unfolds with a Chorus, nicknamed Dicey, played by Celia Keenan-Bolger, recounting the tale even as reflecting on her own life. Dicey encounters a young student, played by Susannah Perkins, on an airplane who is reading Sophocles’s original “Antigone.” This encounter sparks Dicey’s exploration of the play’s enduring relevance and its personal impact.
Modernizing a Classic
The play tackles contemporary issues, notably reproductive rights, by setting Antigone’s defiance within the context of new anti-abortion laws enacted by her uncle, Creon, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub. Antigone, in this adaptation, seeks an illegal abortion, leading her to a dangerous encounter with a back-alley provider. This modernization aims to connect the ancient tragedy to present-day concerns about control over one’s body.
Critical Reception
Reviews have been mixed, with critics acknowledging the play’s ambitious vision but noting its uneven execution. Adam Feldman of Time Out New York praised Susannah Perkins’s performance as Antigone and Tony Shalhoub’s portrayal of Creon, highlighting their ability to convey a sense of destiny within the narrative. Though, Feldman also pointed out instances of “sloppy” writing and tonal inconsistencies in Ziegler’s script and Tyne Rafaeli’s direction.
Other critics have echoed these sentiments, recognizing the potential of Ziegler’s vision but calling for further refinement. The play’s exploration of bodily autonomy and its attempt to resonate with modern audiences have been noted as strengths, while its occasional clumsiness and heavy-handed metaphors have been identified as areas for improvement.
Cast and Creative Team
In addition to Celia Keenan-Bolger, Susannah Perkins, and Tony Shalhoub, the cast includes Calvin Leon Smith as Haemon, Haley Wong as Ismene, Katie Kreisler as the Proprietor, and Ethan Dubin as Achilles. Tyne Rafaeli directs the production.
A Timely Reinterpretation
“Antigone (This Play I Read in High School)” joins a wave of recent reinterpretations of the classic Greek tragedy, including productions at the Shed, the Flea, and La MaMa. Ziegler’s play offers a unique perspective on Antigone’s story, prompting audiences to consider the play’s enduring relevance in the 21st century.