February 11, 2002

SOPHOCLES' TRAGIC MASTERPIECE PRESENTED IN CONTEMPORARY FORMAT IN BLACK BOX THEATRE MARCH 1-4

LA CROSSE, Wis.— A classic masterpiece receives new life on Viterbo's stage when the Viterbo University theatre department presents Sophocles' Antigone in the La Croix Black Box Theatre March 1-4, at 7:30 p.m. each night.

One of the oldest and most celebrated of all the Greek tragedies, the play presents Antigone's classic struggle with issues such as justice, pride, truth, and honor. The daughter of Oedipus (the former King of Thebes) and Queen Jocasta, Antigone was with her father in exile and returned to Thebes after his death. Centered on the flaw of human pride, the play revolves around Antigone's conflict with Kreon, the new King of Thebes, who refuses to allow her to bury the body of her brother, Polyneices, despite the pleas of his son.

According to Susan Rush, Viterbo music theatre professor, "Among many other themes, it's a play about the tyranny of one man, and tyranny is timeless.  It certainly is pertinent to our modern times. And yet, its theme is also pertinent to many societies and religions throughout time."

Rush is working closely with Viterbo's dance instructor, Rod Reiner, to add choreography to the play. The intent is to make the chorus in Antigone a living, moving body which adds emotion and feeling to its words, said Rush.

Filled with music, dance, and masks, Viterbo's performance turns this classic tragedy into a contemporary production.

Tickets for Antigone are $9. Contact the Viterbo Box Office at 608-796-3100.

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