Students play out tragedy
Students involved in the production of Antigone experienced the emotional impact that actors who played heroes of the Greek legends underwent.
The production held at St Mary's Canossian College hall was adapted from one of the tragedies based on the legend of Oedipus, and directed by teacher Geoffrey Oliver.
The main character, Antigone, is caught in the dilemma of whether she should follow her conscience to bury her brother, who started a civil war, or to obey Creon the King's law to leave his body to rot.
Lydia Wong, who played the title role, said: 'Antigone was the most challenging role I've ever played. I had to cry, to love, to argue, to be slapped . . . the most difficult part was to make all these come from my heart and be believable.
'Mr Oliver and my friends have been giving me encouragement and support all the way through.' Ada Fung, who played Creon, said: 'Creon to me is a person who understands his responsibility and position well, but is doomed to fail.
'His indecisive and honest nature together with the difficult situation inevitably leads to the death of Antigone and the collapse of his family.' Ada said it was a challenge to play Creon, an authoritative figure but a loving father.
'Mr Oliver's script and explanation helped me experience the emotion of the character. Besides, I'd like to thank him for teaching me how to control the tone of my voice, the mood of the gesture and immediacy of action. These were really essential in bringing out Creon.' 'Many students in St Mary's are interested in drama and we usually produce musical plays which, though challenging in their own way, do not always provide the chance for the students to act seriously or to fully develop the roles,' Mr Oliver said. 'I was happy the students rose to the challenge and performed so well.' He complimented both the actors and production team which provided an excellent setting with props, costumes and technical aspects all to a very high standard.
Article submitted by St Mary's Canossian College