A modern reimagining of Sophocles’ tragedy inspired by true stories of the so-called ‘ISIS Brides’.
Exploring how the media shapes politics and public discourse on immigration, human rights and extremism, this new drama updates Sophocles’ Greek tragedy and asks the audience to vote on the narrative, displaying their answers in real-time. Inspired by the true stories of young women from the UK who became the so called ‘ISIS Brides’, Antigone [on strike] follows Law student Antiya as she campaigns against an ambitious Home Secretary to bring her sister Esmeh back from Syria. Anitya’s risky hunger strike causes a media frenzy that engulfs her and the Home Secretary’s family in a PR game that no one is certain how to play.
Sat within an all-white replica of the UK House of Commons, audiences are invited to participate in the unfolding narrative by casting real-time votes and comments with wireless keypad devices, interrogating how our choices have real-life consequences and can easily be monetized and weaponized by the highest bidder.
The play was developed through community discussions with students and teachers in schools in East London. In addition to the actual play, a series of free educational workshops was created in collaboration with Hafsah Aneela Bashir that aim to empower young people to engage with politics through art and activism.
Writer and director Alexander Raptotasios said, “It is incredible how an ancient tragedy can speak to our current struggles as a democracy. Antigone questions how much a government can restrict human rights for the ‘good of the country’. Our new version is allowing public opinion to play a crucial part as audiences participate and are faced with their choices. What shapes our opinion? A public debate, cold facts or an Instagram ad?”
Cast
Phil Cheadle, Hiba Medina, Ali Hadji-Heshmati, Sorcha Brooks, Oya Bacak (on video)
Listings
- 30 January – 22 February 2025
- Park90, Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
- Previews 30 Jan – 1 Feb | £15
- Mon – Sat 7pm, 3.15pm matinees Thu & Sat
- £25 - £15 (standard), £9.50 (access), £10 (Park Up 16-26 years)
- Captioned performances: Tue 11 Feb 7pm, Thu 20 Feb 7pm
- BSL Interpreted performance: Thu 13 Feb 7pm
- Tickets: purchase.parktheatre.co.uk
- Further Information: Homepage - Park Theatre