Critiquing a show is a difficult art form. It has recently been discovered just how much feeling is involved and how many elements come into play when reviewing a show. Often it seems your entire opinion is either rejected completely or agreed with wholeheartedly. What really makes this an awkward task is being involved in the show in question. I firmly believe that Mt. Hood Community College's production of the classic Greek Tragedy of Antigone was a stunning piece that has much to be proud of!
It is common knowledge in the theatre realm that shows of this capacity were traditionally preformed in the round, as this specific show was chosen to be. While many people have issues with this because it "breaks the first rule of stage- never turn your back to the audience!" I believe many are not realizing that a show in the round is not typical theatre anymore. It is meant to look real. Often times shows on common stages come across as clearly blocked, there are so many rules to follow. This show went back to the roots of theatre. It is a very challenging way to act and I applaud all the actors in this show for their patience, perseverance and willingness to break the mold of what is accepted and be torn apart for it later. This was truly an exceptional cast.
The stage was beautiful. It was painted with a marble look to it and was cracked and bleeding, a very symbolic choice! The stage was bathed in intricate lighting to portray moods, whether secretive and stealthy, passionate or in despair, so many emotions came through from the lighting. The set was simple, which was perfect for the round. 4 posts stood on each each corner and benches on the "twelve o clock and six o clock" sides. Anything else would have been crowded and awkward.
The music in this show, all originally composed specifically for this cast, added immensely to the dynamics of Antigone! Peter Armetta is an exceptionally talented man and did the cast all a huge service with his gift of music, giving so much to play off of and build with.
Overall, I believe this was an amazing work of art. It was not easy, in any form of the word! It was a challenging stretch for the cast but they rose above the difficulties and harsh reviews of peers, long hours and seemingly no recognition of their work. I count it as a huge honor to have been chosen to work alongside the incredibly talented artists Patrick Ford, Heather Harlan and Rick Zimmer.
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4 comments:
Yes, that does seem to be the case, most of the time, you agree or you disagree. No middle ground in this area. I also give an ovation to the cast for the hard work they have done for the show, and great job with the lines, Emily.
The blocking is what I thought about the whole time. Iat many points in the show someones back was facing me, but isn't that what is suppose to happen in an areana show? How can they not have their back to you at some point. I feel that at certian times it is good to put your back to the audience depending on what you want the audience to feel. Besides, when when individuals argue do they not at somepoint move in a way to show their back to the other individual? I liked it. Nice job on the post.
Yeah, at first, I didn't know what to think of playing in an oxymoronic mordernized classic. But as the rehearsals went on, I fully understood and respected this piece of art for what it truly is.
Yeah, critiquing work that you had a hand in is always tough. But I agree that we had an amazing cast, and that everything came together just great. But I found it kind of funny that Rick realized halfway through that he could have used a North South East West system instead of a clock face about halfway through rehearsals. I think that might have helped...
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