Photo Credit: Ann Marie Casey |
Synopsis
The libretto is based on Sophocles’ play ANTIGONE. This production does not take place
in any specific time period or geographic location.
Prologue
The main characters are Antigone, her sister Ismene, and their brothers Eteocles and
Polynices. Although these youth are of one family, they are divided by opposing loyalties.
Act I
The War
The two brothers go to war. One brother, Eteocles, defends his home city, while the other
brother, Polynices, wages war against the homeland. Although both brothers die in the
war, the homeland army led by Eteocles is victorious. King Creon declares Eteocles a
hero, and Polynices a traitor. The body of the traitor cannot be buried; should someone
violate this law, the punishment is death.
Celebration
Creon, Antigone and Ismene join the people of the court in celebrating the homeland’s
victory. However, Antigone is disturbed by the joyous occasion, knowing that one of her
brothers will not receive the dignity of a burial. She leaves in distress, followed by a
concerned Ismene. The king bids the guests goodnight.
Sister Conversion
Ismene finds Antigone wandering across the battlefield. The two sisters discuss the king’s
decree. Although they genuinely love each other, the sisters are divided by opposing
loyalties. Ismene chooses to obey the laws of the state, and Antigone chooses the laws
of the ancient gods and her right as an individual to bury her brother.
Act II
The Burial
Creon leads the funeral procession to bury the body of Eteocles. Antigone leaves the
procession to bury the enemy-brother. Mustering all of her personal strength, Antigone
buries the body of Polynices.
The Chase
Creon’s guards observe the actions of Antigone and recognize her violation of the state’s
law. They capture Antigone and bring her before the king.
Confrontation
Creon and Antigone confront each other, each debating the merits of their decisions and
actions. Antigone believes she has the right as an individual to make her own decisions.
Creon is determined to uphold the laws of his state and enforces his punishment – Antigone is sentenced to death.
Execution
The guards prepare the cave in which Antigone is to be buried alive, but once there,
she takes her own life. Ismene visits the cave and discovers her sister’s body. Ismene is
the only surviving child left after the tragic string of events caused by opposing loyalties. |
Meet the International Cast of 21 Dancers |
The Russian Principal Dancers |
 |
Astghig Ohannessian
The Mussorgsky Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Russia
(Antigone) |
Astghig Ohannessian is one of the rising
stars at The Mussorgsky Ballet in Saint
Petersburg, Russia. A graduate of The
Vaganova Ballet, Ohannessian was invited to join The
Mussorgsky Ballet and performs soloist roles in Giselle,
The Nutcracker and other classical ballets under the direction
of Nikolai Boyarchikov. Ohannessian regularly tours
throughout Russia, Europe and Asia.
Ohannessian, an Armenian citizen, began her training in
Lebanon before moving to Saint Petersburg. At the age
of 20, she speaks fluent Armenian, Arabic, French, Russian and English. Rebecca Davis worked with Ohannessian during her Fulbright studies in Russia and has invited her
to Philadelphia to perform the title role in Antigone. This is
her first time visiting and performing in The United States. |
|
|
Irina Perren
The Mussorgsky Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Russia
(Ismene) |
 |
Irina Perren is a principal dancer at The
Mussorgsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg,
Russia. She performs leading roles in all
classical repertoire and has been featured as an international
guest performer in the UK, Japan, and Europe. Perren is a
winner of multiple international ballet competitions, including
Arabesque (2002) and Saint Petersburg Spotlights (1999-
2000, 2002-2003). |
|
|
 |
Marat Shemiunov
The Mussorgsky Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Russia
(Creon) |
Marat Shemiunov is a world-renowned
soloist and principal dancer at The
Mussorgsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg,
Russia. Shemiunov regularly performs the principal roles in
Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and other classical
ballets in Russia, Europe and Asia. Shemiunov is regarded
for his dramatic expression and long, elegant lines. He has
been invited to Philadelphia to perform the leading male role
of Creon in Antigone. |
|
|
Russian composer, Timofey Buzina, has specially composed the music for Davis's new modern ballet, The Goal of Antigone.
Timofey Buzina is among the youngest working composers in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Buzina was born in 1977 in Yekaterinburg, formerly known as Sverdlovsk. In 2001, he graduated from The Mussorgsky Ural State Conservatory (professor: V.A. Kobekin). From 2002 to 2004, he did postgraduate studies at The Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg Conservatory (professor: S.M. Slonimsky). His works have been performed in modern music festivals and concerts in Yekaterinburg and Saint Petersburg. He is the current General Manager of The Saint Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, and speaks Russian and English fluently. |
 |
|
|
