STOCKTON — “Antigone” is being brought back to life from its ancient Greek roots on University of the Pacific’s main stage this October.

Antigone is being performed in University of the Pacific’s Long Theater on south campus.  The show runs Oct. 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. and October 16, 22, 23 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $10-$15 with discounts for students, seniors, faculty, and staff.  For tickets, visit go.pacific.edu/tickets, the box office located at the Long Theatre or call 209.946.2UOP. 

Gary Armagnac, director, chose this piece because of its current political themes: “Even though Sophocles wrote this story in the golden era of Ancient Greece, the themes are still of the utmost importance in our world’s political and social climate.  Just look at the wars in Africa, Egypt, the people fighting to have their voice heard. I am setting the scene in a near future America, slightly post-apocalyptic, where we can investigate the story of a woman who stands up for her brother and beliefs in a war-torn society.”

Antigone tells a contemporary story of a ruler who believes he can rule without regard to the concerns of his people or the religious and cultural practices of his day. The play also delves into women’s rights and the consequences to a nation of suppressing the female voice and perspective. The consequences of this false belief form the backbone of the play.

 Sophocles’ ancient Greek drama surrounding the infamous Oedipus’ descendents centers on Oedipus’ daughter Antigone.  After both of Antigone’s brothers are killed in war, King Creon decrees that one shall be buried and the other shall not. Anyone who breaks this ruling will be condemned to death. Believing it is the Gods and not Creon who decide burial rites, Antigone knowingly buries her disgraced brother and is condemned to death herself.  Creon realizes his mistake too late, after his decision has lead to the death of those he loves.  Despite this tragedy, the play concludes with catharsis and a reflection on how society failed to do the right thing.