Antigone (Park Avenue Armory)

See it if you want to see a Sophocles “Antigone” that is not only gorgeous, but excavates the heartrending dramatic conflict of every scene.

Don't see it if you like your theater naturalistic.

Also Is Sophocles’ “Antigone” the great Greek tragedy? No quartet of characters is more tragic than Ismene, Antigone, Creon & Haimon. In every scene of “Antigone” the conflict is stark, it’s hard to choose sides, & what’s at stake means life or death for individuals & for the city. The SPAC production, performed in dumbshow & spoken in Japanese & English, is so gorgeous that I don’t want it lost: How dramatic this production is! Choosing to separate speaker & mover makes the conflicts starker. Drawing on Japan’s Noh tradition means this “Antigone” is even more haunted than most. It takes place in a flooded rock garden; the biggest rocks act as mini-stages. The images I’ll remember are not mere eye candy but essential to the drama—Ismene trying to claw her way up a rock to join her sister; Haimon jumping down from a rock to run across the water to confront his father. The closing pageant of all humankind, equal in death, is among the most gripping things I’ve ever seen in a theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a fascinating Japanese Noh-inspired take on Greek tragedy. The staging is beautiful, and the structure is captivating.

Don't see it if you're looking for something super accessible or are unwilling to engage with different cultural styles of theatre.

Also You'll do best if you brush up on the plot of Antigone and on what the structure of Noh theatre is. It's visually stunning, but the show's a bit dense and hard to engage in. But it's definitely worth it to step out of your theatrical comfort zone to check out this show.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a classic Greek mythical tragedy seen through a beautifully composed Eastern lens, yielding a tale both timeless and timely.

Don't see it if You do not like works that derive meaning and resonance from both text and precision movement.

See it if you have any interest in theater practice or expanding your mind’s vision of what theater can be.

Don't see it if you’re willfully ignorant.

Also Dionysus, Brecht, Shakespeare, and Olivier are smiling on this one.

A NOTE IF YOU'RE ATTENDING: a "proper" curtain call occurs after the initial "bow." Don't bother wearing yourself out with clapping as the cast exits the space. They have made their playing space sacred and yes, they must exit that way; no need to get impatient with your western eyes. And please don't leave during the curtain call. This will all make sense once you're there. Enjoy!... Read more Read less

See it if Try something new-ghost actors and musicians in white walking through water to stage a 2500 year old story of a conscientious objector

Don't see it if Not a ordinary stage play. In Japanese with super titles. Each character is portrayed by a speaking actor and a gesturing actor.

Also A visual and aural feast.I found.the slow and stately pace hypnotic.I loved the device of having separate actors reciting the lines and striking the poses, It created a gravitas that made the story even more impactful. The issue of individual conscience vs the state never seemed more relevant. And the overall pageant of those figures sliding along in a great black pool of water conjured up the netherworld . All in all a memorable evening.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a visually stunning version of a classic Greek play, presented in a foreign language in a breathtaking setting.

Don't see it if You don’t like plays presented in a foreign language, care more about acting and plot than the overall visual effect/visuals.

See it if Astonishing, Spectacular, Amazing, Leaves you speechless. Like no other. Not to be missed. The Park Avenue Armory never fails to awe.

Don't see it if You dislike the classics and the use of English subtitles to translate Japanese throughout.

See it if Satoshi Miyagi created a stunning prod in a Noh still art form applied to Greek trag w/stg mesg:duty vs human feelings, indiv vs authority.*

Don't see it if you expect the original script; you do not like subtitles.

Also *Japanese Director Miyagi floods the wide stage with water on which ghosts
walk/float.The heartbreaking image of
enlightened characters and great musicians in white, on a black background : a strong reminder of some illuminated spiritual figures of Renaissance paintings with an oriental twist.
A MUST SEE play which is already sold out.However, arrive 3 hrs earlier and
with luck to see this enchanting rare eastern gem !... Read more Read less

See it if you wish to see international and festival-quality productions of epic proportions

Don't see it if you like personal drama or just light plays and musicals

Also I was disappointed. While visually it was stunning, there were major flaws such as the use of dual characters for each role; one to speak the role and one to move. Why? The vocal actor always drew the attention as the voice conveyed the dramatic intent more than the classic Japanese movements. The width of the stage spread everything out resulting in a diffuse drama making everything less violently dramatic. The voice, the movement, the giant shadows needed to be closer so as to make an impact of tragic proportions. Such a production showcasing the director's tricks takes away from Sophocles' important message about tyranny. Nice to see a fully publicly-subsidized company of so many musicians; they were superb.... Read more Read less

See it if Classic Greek theater seen through an eastern eye

Don't see it if In Japanese with super titles. Each character is portrayed by a speaking actor and a gesturing actor.

See it if You like noh theatre and the visual beauty of the staging

Don't see it if You want the powerful drama of antigone and individuation of characters

See it if This unusual blend of Noh, Kyogen and Bunraku is a marvelous and unique (yes, really) piece of theater. As they say, “run don’t walk”.

Don't see it if you need "action" on stage even in a greek tragedy or a Noh play

See it if only for the beautiful presentation of this Greek tragedy in a pool with a mesmerizing cast, costumes, lighting, and movement. Unforgettable

Don't see it if you want fast-paced story. This is to be watched and contemplated. More symbolic than literal, maybe? Take a deep breath and enjoy.

Also Read a summary in advance. It's in the program too. Then you don't worry about what is happening.... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for unique visual storytelling.

Don't see it if you want action and you hate reading subtitles.

Also mesmerizing and unique telling of the antigone story. vocally, musically, and visually striking and powerful. a stunning production. why oh why, however, was a comical (and very silly) introduction--in english--necessary?... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Japanese-styled theater. There are two actors for each character; one speaking, one moving.

Don't see it if you don't want to read during performance. Done in Japanese with English super titles.

See it if You want to be immersed in a familiar story presented in a phenomenally unique way.

Don't see it if You don’t want to be exposed to another culture and realize the common threads that connect iconic stories

See it if would enjoy a powerful Greek tragedy seen via traditional Japanese delivery and a stunningly beautiful production.

Don't see it if you're not interested in Greek tragedies and have little patience for slowly paced shows.

See it if You want to see a moving and exquisite take on an ancient play.

Don't see it if You don't like to read subtitles, don't like paying attention to various acting and movement elements at the same time, want a rapid pace.

See it if You like cutting edge staging, the classics, Greek tragedy

Don't see it if You don’t like the classics, novel interpretations or subtitles

See it if if you want to be amazed by unusual staging and enjoy a classic story with an unusual twist.

Don't see it if you don't like Japanese theater.

See it if If you like innovative staging. There were things about the staging that I had never seen before.

Don't see it if You do not like slow, meditative performances.

Also I absolutely loved this performance. It was so unique. Everything about it intrigued me; the music, lighting with shadows, just everything. I even liked the sound of the foot steps going through the water. Full disclosure; I am Japanese-American and have seen kabuki theatre. This is more like Noh theatre. The audience response was such that everyone like it.... Read more Read less

See it if Sophocles’ play performed by a Japanese company,appeals to you. Traditional Japanese Noh, exquisite staging,

Don't see it if U hate surtitles,

See it if You are familiar with the greek classic, and are absorbed by vast production value and methods of storytelling that veer from western norms

Don't see it if You are looking for a straightforward, realistic, or english adaptation of the greek play.

See it if you want to experience a familiar story with a Zen lens. If you are a fan of shimmering water and percussion.

Don't see it if you don't want to see Eastern styles. Noh is a very still, distinct and deliberate art form. And if you don't want to read subtitles.

Also Be sure to go a little early to read the pamphlet. All gaps are filled and they are very considerate to brief you on the synopsis of Antigone at the beginning of the show, so that you can enjoy and experience Noh for the first time.... Read more Read less