Review: ANTIGONON, UN CONTINGENTE EPICO at Kennedy Center

With the United States reopening its relations with Cuba, it only seems natural that the Kennedy Center would host a top Cuban theatre company, and its ambitious director, as part of its ongoing internationally-oriented Spotlight on Directors series.

Havana-based Teatro El Público has premiered 40 plays since 1992. Its mission is to present snapshots of the Cuban landscape in a provocative way. In theory, this sounds like something US audiences should see in order to get an idea of how life is or was in Cuba.

Unfortunately, the company's Antigonón, un contingente épico might be more bizarre than provocative to US audiences just in the way the company chooses to perform the material. You see, for most of the show, the five-member ensemble is either stark naked, removing clothing, or grabbing themselves inappropriately. There are songs about a machete wielder, sexual emails, and a lesson on how to use a condom. Who said theatre isn't educational? The play is said to be writer Rogelio Orizondo's commentary on life in Cuba and the fight for broader freedoms. An exploration of Cuban heroes, both past and present, is offered up as a parallel to the Greek myth Antigone.

I understand what Director Carlos Diaz is trying to do, but there is likely too much subtext in the script that only people from Cuba, or with an intimate knowledge of the culture and society, would understand. I wanted to appreciate the nuances, but it was difficult to do so. Audience members fluent in Spanish may also appreciate this show more because at certain times the surtitles couldn't keep up with the action on the night I attended. This unfortunately undercuts Dinorah de Jesus Rodriguez likely challenging translation work.

Further, while all of the performers display passion for the material, I found them somewhat interchangeable. The one exception is Afro-Cuban performer Linnett Hernández. She had a strong and striking presence and displayed a more meaningful and honest connection to the material - language barrier or not.

The potent projections of some of the darker and more conflict-filled moments in Cuban history actually proved more interesting to me than some of the stage action. The only section where all of the elements worked together in a seamless and coherent way was when a Cuban hero talked about dying for his homeland. It was the only time where the language barrier disappeared for me and the show felt universal.

When the actors are wearing something, the elaborate costumes by Celia Ledón Acosta are attractive and eye-popping.

While Antigonón, un contingente épico is an interesting stunt and nothing more, I understand why Kennedy Center thought it a good idea to present this show. With US-Cuban relations starting to improve (at least under the Obama Administration) there is a good reason to learn more about Cuba's culture and history and for a Cuban troupe to experience performing in front of an audience in this country. I just don't know if this show is the right introduction. At some point, you have to keep in mind who the audience is.

Running Time: 80 minutes with no intermission.

Antigonón, un contingente épico runs through March 22, 2017 at Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater which is located at 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. For tickets, click here.

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