The exciting new production of Sophocles' tragedy Antigone, translated by Timberlake Wertenbaker, has been receiving much attention from critics during its run at the Southwark Playhouse in May-June 2011.
David Allen composed and recorded the original score for this London Fringe production, with elements from Middle Eastern music and culture as well as a Western approach of unifying the different musical ideas and narrative strands, with a considerable amount of singing and dancing by the large chorus.
The score included several Arabian maqams, baladii and maqsuum dances, as well as a great deal of sound design composed directly into the music to create a musical landscape that provided a backdrop for the Middle Eastern staging in addition to a complex, claustrophobic soundscape that emphasised the tense personal and political situations as well as the modern Arab Spring setting; and even adapting to accommodate the ominous rumble of mainline trains passing over the theatre!
Five Reasons to See ... Antigone from WhatsOnStage:
4. The show has a beautiful new score by David Allen.
The Greek choruses in the play are notoriously difficult to solve, but with some of them being sung and others underscored with a haunting Arabic and ancient timbre they help up the emotional stakes as the story unfolds.
Rachel Williams from The London Word:
Placed in the Middle Eastern context, complemented by the unique settings of ... traditionally inspired music and choreography, Antigone successfully makes the transition from classical entertainment to a stark reminder of the despotic leaders who rule through fear and silence today. ... Antigone is a must see for classicists and modernists alike...
Miriam Gillinson from Sketches on Theatre:
The chorus is initially composed entirely of women, who sing Arabic music as they process through the streets. They are mournful, emotional and strong. They suggest a world in which, if only women could sing in harmony more often, their voices might be heard.
Daisy Bowie-Sell from The Telegraph:
...[costumes] are certainly beautiful, as is Claire-Monique Martin’s voice as the chorus singer. The songs she sings are Arab influenced and work well in the place of the Chorus songs.
Ian Foster from There Ought To Be Clowns:
The 15-strong chorus are ... often effectively lurking in shadows to deliver their lines and in singing David Allen’s new compositions...
Philip Fisher from the British Theatre Guide:
[The] large cast allows for a sizeable chorus, who ... sing dirges and dance mellifluously...
Dave Jordan from WhatsOnStage:
This version, in trying to stay faithful to the original Greek format, has song, dance and choral speaking...
Lita Doolan on RemoteGoat:
...[costumes] establish a modern Muslim world along with David Allen's multi-tonal choral compositions.
Nick Holland on LiveJournal:
...[set, lighting] and especially David Allen's music contribute to an atmospheric 90 minutes...
Reactions on Twitter
Searing Antigone at @swkplay tonight. One of the best uses of the Chorus I have seen in the theatre. Highly atmospheric. Highly recommended!
check out the incredible @maestroallen 's spine tingling musical score for ANTIGONE @swkplay
Went to Antigone at @swkplay tonight. Very powerful & loved the chorus work. Trains rumbling overhead really added to the atmosphere.
- Kathy H
The last ten minutes of Antigone @swkplay were amongst the most shattering moments I've witnessed in theatre.
Rather brilliant Antigone @swkplay last night. Lovely to see fringe theatre not afraid to go for the epic.