JSU’s speech and theatre department goes ‘GREEK’ with Antigone

Kentrice Rush
Blue & White Flash / Guest Writer

In its first Greek production, Jackson State University’s Department of Speech Communication and Theatre presents Sophocles’ Antigone. Written around 442 B.C., Antigone is one of the most famous Greek Tragedies. It is a story of a young girl willing to do anything to honor her family, even in death.

In the lead role of Antigone is Jasmine Rivera, a senior Theatre major from Jackson, Miss. Although this is not her first leading role in a departmental production, the character of Antigone is a different and challenging role for her to play.

“Antigone is loving, brave, and loyal. A lot of people consider her a rebel, but really, she just stands firm in her beliefs” said Rivera. “This role differs from other characters I’ve played primarily because of the language. Even though it’s in English, it’s in old English, but the adaptation of the play we are using makes the language easy to understand. The physical gestures are also a challenge. Since the play is set in 442 B.C., you have to avoid modern mannerisms and stay true and committed to the time period.”

Rivera believes that our students and our community should definitely support this production.

“As college students, we have heard about Oedipus and his daughter Antigone’s story. Why wouldn’t you want to see it live? In a Black community, it’s also rare to see classical pieces performed as mainstage performances and I think that it’s important that the black community support breaking that barrier,” she added.

The play’s director is one of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre’s newer faculty members, Ms. Yolanda Williams. Antigone will be her directorial debut at Jackson State University.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience directing at JSU. The Department has supported this production and the students have worked hard throughout this journey. I pushed them to explore this piece with an open mind and an artistic eye. We delved into new acting techniques, analyzing classical text, character development and analysis, as well as ensemble building work. I believe we all learned a great deal throughout the process and I for one cannot wait to do it again,” said Williams.

Williams added: “Last semester, Fall of 2011, I asked the majors and minors of the Department of Speech and Theatre what they were interested in working on for the Spring production. The majority wanted to do something classical. My mind automatically went to Shakespearean and Greek plays. Understanding the possible technical needs of both, and it’s educational & entertainment value, I knew a Greek Tragedy would be a good fit for the Department, University, and community. Antigone has always been a play that I loved and wanted to direct. I wanted to tell this story because the themes of this play (gender roles in society, family values, justice, honor, discipline, pride, political standpoints and ethical values) resonate with society today.”

The show days and times for Antigone are March 1st, 3rd, and 5th at 7:30 p.m.; March 4th at 3:00 p.m.; and March 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Student admission is $5; general admission is $10.

For more information about this production, contact the box office at 601-979-5956/601-979-2426 or visit our website at 10.14.12.245/speechandtheatre and click on Box Office. Or, visit our box office located in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium lobby. Tickets are available for sale online and at the box office.