Anne Carson’s acclaimed adaptation of Sophokles’ classic tragedy ‘Antigone’ makes its Fresno premiere

Fresno State University Theatre presents the fifth production of its 2024/25 Mainstage Season, “Antigone” written by Sophokles, translated by Anne Carson and directed by Michelle Bellaver in her debut production as a new faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Dance. This is a Fresno premiere. 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 28–29 and April 1–5 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre on campus. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni, military and $10 for all students. Content Warning: Production contains haze, strobe lighting, stage weapons, sounds of war, staged physical violence, explicit language, suicide, death and is intended for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. Children under 12 will not be admitted.  

The conflict between justice and law rises to poetic heights in Anne Carson’s innovative translation of Sophokles’ classic tale of civil disobedience. Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, mourns her beloved brother Polyneikes, considered an enemy of the state; Antigone’s uncle, King Kreon, refuses to allow his burial, considering him an insurgent and traitor. In an act of defiance and courage, Antigone breaks the law and sets the city of Thebes and its inhabitants towards an irreversible fate. 

“As a new theatre professor at Fresno State, directing my first show felt like an opportunity to introduce myself to the theatre community in Fresno by presenting a clear vision of the types of stories that I think are important to tell,” says director Michelle Bellaver. “I chose ’Antigone’ by Sophokles because it is striking how modern this 2,400-year-old story feels. I have wanted to direct this fresh, dynamic translation by Anne Carson for years, and I am excited to finally do so here at The Woods Theatre because it features and highlights the conflict between justice and law during wartime, where acts of civil disobedience by women can showcase the dangers women face in society. Highlighting the courage of women is important at this moment in time.”

Critics have praised Anne Carson’s adaptation of Antigone by Sophokles as a “bold and haunting reimagining” of the classic tragedy. The Guardian hails it as “a fiercely poetic and razor-sharp exploration of fate and defiance,” while The New York Times describes it as “an electrifying blend of lyricism and raw intensity.” Carson masterfully reinterprets Sophokles’ timeless tale, infusing it with striking contemporary resonance while preserving its mythic power. This gripping adaptation not only captivates but also challenges audiences to reflect on themes of justice, resistance, and the collision of personal and political duty. A must-see for anyone seeking theatre that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally profound.

The production features performances from Marazay Ashford, Mason Thomas Beltran, Daphne Doss, Emily Franco, Caroline Herling, Justice, Sage Rivera, Molly Smith, Jayvaughn Sterns Jr., Jordan Stewart, Josh Taber, and Madeline Thaller. 

Fresno State no longer requires masks to be worn indoors. Still, based on updated guidance from public health experts, the University highly recommends that all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear a surgical grade or KN95 mask indoors. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Latecomers will not be permitted, and there are no refunds or exchanges. The box office is open from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday – Thursday and one hour before each performance, and it accepts cash, check, or credit card payments.

Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and can be purchased at dispensers in parking lots on campus.

For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.