Review: Group rep Offers Engaging ANOTHER ANTIGONE
By: Don Grigware Jan. 19, 2016
Another Antigone/by A.R. Gurney/directed by Linda Alznauer/Group rep/through February 7/Saturdays at 2 pm; Sundays at 7 pm
Playwright A.R. Gurney, best known for Love Letters and The Cocktail Hour, has written some very topical plays, among them the lesser known 1988 Another Antigone, on the surface a dispute between a college professor of the classics and a creative student, but on a far greater level, exposing the repercussions of anti-semitism and the behind the scenes manipulation of courses and staff by a typical college administration in today's world of education. Produced in the new black box theatre upstairs at Group rep, Antigone is evenly directed by Linda Alznauer and extremely well acted by its ensemble of four, currently through February 7, only.
When Senior Judy Miller (Natalia Santamaria) turns in a paper to Professor Harper (Doug Haverty) in her Greek Classics course, Harper refuses to accept it, failing her, on the grounds that it does not fulfill the assignment. He wanted an analysis of Sophocles' Antigone; Miller went several giant steps further and rewrote the play to bring to light the dangerous nuclear issues of contemporary times. In Harper's eyes, it is yet one more attempt to misinterpret tragedy. Tragedy, in Greek terms, is honest, pure; there is no way out. Nuclear war is not tragic because there is a solution; therefore, the communal obligation in Miller's mind is in direct contrast to the definition of Greek tragedy. Miller, overzealous student that she is, refuses to accept his stance and decides to put on her play on campus to win approval, as she needs to pass the course in order to graduate. When the grievance committee becomes involved, anti-semitic charges with regard to Harper come to the fore. It just so happens that Judy Miller is Jewish, and so it appears that Harper may be admonishing her because she is a Jew.
This is the crux of the play. Harper has one person on his side, the dean, Diana, a former girlfriend (Debi Tinsley), who just happens to be part Jewish herself. Judy enlists the help of her boyfriend Dave (Louis Schneider) to help her with the play, which will hopefully win the hearts of the grievance committee to overturn Harper's decision in her favor. No one actually wins in the end. Harper is put on sabbatical, as his course registrations have tremendously decreased. Miller has success with the play, graduates and is presented with a Peabody Award which she refuses to accept. She no longer wants to be a part of any organization in our country that is cut-throat, prejudicial, and blind-sided.
Alznauer is an excellent director who stages fully and provides just the right pacing throughout. She also allows her actors the freedom to stretch and fill out their roles. Santamaria plays Miller with guts and lots of heart and determination. Tinsley is a dream actress. She is always in the moment and totally immersed in Diana's complicated dynamics. Diana was once in love with Harper and now must face the decision to send him packing. Schneider is honest and likable as Louis, a boy who truly loves Judy and will do just about anything to help her. Haverty is so warm-hearted and talented. He should stop beating every line over the head. His natural delivery is more than enough to convince. His very best moments come when he is teaching his class, and some lovely moments emanate from his desperate plea to Diana that he must continue teaching... or else.
Diana Martin has done nicely with the dual set design of two offices and an exterior park of the Eastern college circa 1983. Martin is also responsible for the costumes: especially noticeable are the prettty tops for Tinsley.
A word or two about the lighting situation. As of now, there is none. By intermission, I had to rub my eyes. The dimness onstage really gets to you. These actors must be better lit. Please provide proper lighting on the new stage ASAP!
Another Antigone is an intelligently crafted play that really delves into vital issues that continue to affect teaching and learning on our college campuses. As in all of Gurney's plays, there is a realistic sense of humor shown clearly in the piece's last line "Then heaven help us all." Go and enjoy!
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