Department of Theatre Presents Antigone Now

The UNC Charlotte Department of Theatre is thrilled to present its first production in the “Old Stories, New Voices” 24-25 season: Antigone Now. Running from September 26-29, this contemporary adaptation by Melissa Cooper revitalizes a timeless classic for a new generation.

Antigone Now tells the gripping story of a young woman who defies the king to honor her brother, igniting a fierce conflict between personal conviction and state authority. This modern adaption, first produced in 2003 and published in 2008, echoes the themes of Sophocles’s tragedy, Antigone, written around 441 BCE, in which Antigone confronts the law to bury her dead brother, Polyneices. Both works explore the clash between familial loyalty and civic duty, but Antigone Now introduces contemporary contexts and perspectives, offering a fresh take on the timeless struggle between individual conscience and societal rules.

In a 2020 review in The Medium, Hana Khan wrote “Antigone Now’s relevance comes from the startling realization that our modern world isn’t as advanced as we thought. The frighteningly accurate similarities of power, greed, and corruption between Sophocles’ play and our modern world are a wakeup call.”

The Department of Theatre’s production is directed by Professor of Directing Robin Witt. Showtimes are 7:30 PM on September 26, 27, and 28, with additional matinee performances at 2:00 PM on September 28 and 29. Ticket prices are as follows: $18.00 for the general public, $12.00 for faculty, staff, and alumni, $10.00 for senior citizens, military, and veterans, and $8.00 for students.

Join us for this powerful exploration of loyalty and sacrifice that challenges us to question the bounds of justice.  Tickets are available now!

By Kyle Gibilaro