Antic myth staged at Music and Drama Theatre
By Salome Modebadze
Thursday, February 28
Sophocle’s Greek myth Antigone was staged at Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama State Theatre. Stage Director Paata Tsikolia said this epic story focuses on many interesting issues. Although he said he has not changed anything in the original piece, Tsikolia’s play made the audience feel the ties with the modern world.
According to the Greek mythology, Antigone, which means “opposed to motherhood,” is the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, Oedipus' mother.
Tsikolia’s play starts with the death of Antigone’s two brothers. One is called a hero, while another – recognized as betrayer, is not even buried because the new king forbids anyone to touch his “pitiful” body.
But beautiful Antigone decides to bury his brother, thus violate the king’s order and face death. Finally, the king realizes that his persistence causes a chain of misery, but it is too late to remedy his mistakes.
The opinion of art critics attending the play on February 24 was divided; one art critic said that although the play was well-organized, it still lacked the “heart beat” of a modern epic. The young director accepted the recommendations. However, he said Sophocle’s text is stronger than any motion on the stage.
“We decided to make (the play) like a ritual, but I think it lacks dynamics,” Tsikolia told The Messenger, adding that now he cannot change anything in the play, but he will consider the remarks of the art critics.
“Some time later even a director cannot change the play, because it moves into the actors’ hands,” he said, admitting he still needs to exercise his skills with the large plays. This is why he prefers working on the stories of classic authors.
This way or another, it is up to the audience to say its word on Tsikolia’s interpretation of the antique play.
