A 3000-year-old tragedy is coming to Pierce College, but with a post-apocalyptic twist. Opening the 2025 spring Theatre department season, this “Antigone” is set in 2156.
Based on the adaptation by Jean Anouilh that was first performed in 1944 in German-occupied France, LAPC Theatre’s double-casted “Antigone” opens Friday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m.
According to Director JP Evans, Anouilh’s adaptation was written in response to Nazi Germany’s occupation of France and was critical of them, but because of the way it was written, the Nazis liked the play and particularly liked the character of Creon.
Both actors for the protagonist Antigone, Olivia Espinoza and Pahola Godinez, expressed relief that their first lead role was double-casted.
“I’m honestly beyond grateful that for my first leading role it is double-cast, because I feel like the goal of the actor is to know your character in and out, and to have a partner in crime to converse about that has been amazing,” Espinoza said.
Godinez said that she has felt supported by the rest of the cast and added that her biggest support system has been the other Antigone.
“I was actually talking to my friend and telling her, ‘I hope this is double-casted,’” Godinez said. “Every time that we need to lift each other, we’re always there for each other.”
Godinez added that being double-casted provided an opportunity to better portray the character of Antigone.
“I think we both have such an appreciation for this role that every time we each do it we’re always like, ‘You did so great, Oh, I found something you did today that was amazing,”’ Godinez said.
Espinoza described Antigone as a fiery and temperamental character and that Antigone’s emotions are justified because of her circumstances. Espinoza added that being able to play Antigone has been a cathartic experience.
“There’s no room to hold anything in. There’s no room for hiding,” Espinoza said. “Just being able to accept my emotions through playing Miss Casewell in the ‘Mousetrap’ and now playing Antigone, a very strong woman, when my entire life I’ve been told to hold it in, it’s just been really liberating.”
Evans interpreted the play as being about the need for people to stand up against governmental oppression.
“Throughout history there are moments where someone has to stand up against what’s wrong in the world and against the government.” Evans said. “I think today it’s especially potent because we are living in a world where the government is trying to take over and we do have the rise of what could be considered a dictator.”
Evans described that this take on Antigone is almost Mad Max-esque and comes from the question if history will continue to repeat itself.
“The idea I’m playing with is ‘What if this era we’re leaving in ends the world and what happens when the world tries to be rebuilt again? Will there be another similar situation,” Evans said.
“Antigone” will open at the Dow Arena Theatre on Friday, March 28, and run until Sunday, April 6. Showtimes for Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission.
Parking is located at Parking Lot #6, next to the Performing Arts Building.
LAPC Theatre’s venues are accessible to those with mobile disabilities and hearing impairments.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (818) 719-6488, or visit lapctheatre.org to purchase tickets online.
