FRIDAY, NOV. 7 at 7:30 P.M.

Antigone

Gist Hall, HSU

The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre presents Sophocles’ “Antigone” directed by Cynthia Martells. Written almost 2,500 years ago in the 5th century B.C.E. by the playwright Sophocles, “Antigone” still resonates today with a story that maps onto the conflicts we endure in our own modern world: the laws of a nation vs. the natural laws and rights of individuals, personal belief vs. institutions, the fragile line that separates a patriot from a terrorist, the dangers of a tyrant. Join us for opening night, November 7th, 2025 at the Gist Hall Theatre at Cal Poly Humboldt and experience a modern performance of a true classic. “Antigone” will run November 7th through November 16th. Ticket prices are $13 General, $11 for students and Children and FREE for Cal Poly Humboldt Students with ID. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre

Antigone is one of the three tragedies by Sophocles that tell the story of the ancient city Thebes during the rule of Oedipus—from his rise to king to his downfall and death and the civil war that followed. Antigone begins in the aftermath of the civil war that had just been fought at the gates of the city between her brothers Polynices and Eteocles. Both brothers die in the battle at each other’s hands (Greek curses are always fulfilled) leaving their Uncle Creon to reign as king. Creon has decreed Polynices a rebel and traitor and to refuse his body burial. Antigone, as her human nature and the laws of the gods make clear, is aghast and wishes to bury her fallen brother. What will she do? How will Creon respond? What tragedy will unfold?

Director Cynthia Martells is very familiar with “Antigone”—she portrayed the titular character in 2001 at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC and she and the cast were invited by the Greek Council to perform it in Athens, Greece. Twenty-four years later, she is more interested in directing this tragedy than performing in it. “Experiencing the emergence of talent, artistry and expression in these young actors is exciting” says Martells. “This play has so many delicious lines—and as these actors get inspired, they bring a new light to different sections and I experience the play anew.” In this production, Antigone is performed by Lily Linz. “It’s a very challenging role for me,” says Linz, “and I am really excited by this challenge. The stakes are so high for my character, it makes for an exciting world to play in. I am also so excited to be working with our director Cynthia—she is incredibly skilled and generous. She is pushing me in ways that I haven’t been pushed to, which is equally thrilling and difficult.”

Martells asked the cast to fully embrace the characters not as ancient Greeks but as people that could live in any time, perhaps even our own. In her words“…there are many themes in Antigone that are relevant to the world and events that we are experiencing today. It acts as a cautionary tale.” Peter Nielsen plays the role of Haimon, son to Creon and engaged to Antigone. Peter agrees with Martells’ assessment, “While the text is centuries old, our cast has created a performance relevant to contemporary times,” as does Stage Manager Caleb McCarthy “It’s a work of theater that people have been keeping alive for over two thousand years, yet it still holds deep relevancy today. Our production has done well to honor this text, while also elevating it to a new place; transposing Ancient Greek drama into our modern times.” Lily Linz goes further, “Even though it’s an older play, it reflects our modern political landscape. It is a very feminist play at its core. Seeing a woman stand on her own and fight for what is right regardless of the patriarchy inspires me to challenge the patriarchy in my own life.” This same sentiment is echoed by Oscar Dernedde, who portrays the blind prophet Teiresias, “This play is about a young woman taking action against a selfish and violent rule and choosing to bring justice to what is not just a crime against humanity, but ultimately a crime against nature and the gods. ‘Antigone’ is a story that is needed now, a story about standing against injustice and cruelty, even when the world seems to be against you.”

The production is being staged and presented at the Gist Hall Theatre at Cal Poly Humboldt. This intimate theatre will immerse you in the scenic design by Bob Pickering, the costume designs by Rae Robison, the lighting design by Michael Burkhart, and all of the amazing design teams’ worldbuilding. The production will take this ancient tragedy and make it feel timeless—out of time even—as it challenges the audience to reckon with themes that are 2,500 years old yet contemporary to our own lives.

So, please, join us for “Antigone” to support our young tragedians, celebrate theatre, and let yourself be moved by inspiring performances and a beautifully designed production packed with meaning.

DATES/TIMES
WHERE
PRICE
  • $13
  • $11 Children/Students
  • Free Cal Poly Students with ID
CONTACT INFO

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