“Antigone (This Play I Read in High School)” Reimagines Greek Tragedy for a Modern Audience
Anna Ziegler’s contemporary retelling of Sophocles’ Antigone, currently playing at the Public Theater, offers a provocative exploration of individual conscience, state authority, and women’s reproductive rights. The production, titled “Antigone (This Play I Read in High School),” reframes the classic story around Antigone’s decision to have an abortion in defiance of her uncle, King Creon, who has outlawed the procedure.
A Personal Narrative Frames the Tragedy
The play is uniquely structured through the perspective of “Chorus,” portrayed by Celia Keenan-Bolger, who identifies herself as Dicey, a single middle-aged woman from Pittsburgh. Dicey’s long-held obsession with Antigone, stemming from a high school encounter with the play, provides a framing narrative. Keenan-Bolger’s character reflects on how Antigone’s boldness contrasted with her own timidity as a teenager, stating, “here was this girl who says whatever she wants, whenever she wants, even on pain of death, while I couldn’t raise my hand to ask to go to the bathroom.”
Modernizing the Conflict
Ziegler’s adaptation shifts the central conflict from the burial of Antigone’s brother to her choice regarding her own body. This change allows the play to directly address contemporary debates surrounding reproductive freedom. Susannah Perkins delivers a gripping performance as Antigone, while Tony Shalhoub portrays Creon as a reluctant leader grappling with the weight of his authority. A pivotal scene involves Antigone disrobing and detailing the history marked on her body, culminating in a discussion of her womb – “What a word: womb. It’s of unknown origin, which feels appropriate. It came from nowhere, just as we come from nowhere, sprouts in the dark.”
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
The production features a strong ensemble cast including Ethan Dubin as Achilles, Katie Kreisler as Cop 1/Proprietor, Calvin Leon Smith as Haemon, and Haley Wong as Ismene. Kreisler, Dubin, and Quay too play a trio of cops serving as Creon’s bodyguards, adding moments of humor to the intense drama. The play incorporates both comedic and philosophical elements, navigating the complexities of the tragedy with intelligence and looseness.
Critical Reception
Reviews note that while adapting a 2,500-year-classic play to modern times can be challenging, “Antigone (This Play I Read in High School)” benefits from its strong leads and thought-provoking themes. Critics have highlighted the play’s ability to spark debate and offer a fresh perspective on the classic story.
Performance Details
- Dates: Through April 12, 2026
- Location: Public Theater
- Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (including one intermission)
- Tickets: $89 – $185
Cast:
- Celia Keenan-Bolger (Chorus)
- Susannah Perkins (Antigone)
- Tony Shalhoub (Creon)
- Ethan Dubin (Cop 3/Achilles)
- Katie Kreisler (Cop 1/Proprietor)
- Dave Quay (Cop 2/Palace Guard)
- Calvin Leon Smith (Haemon)
- Haley Wong (Ismene)