Actress Savannah Gordon-Liburd tells Lynne Brighouse a gangland setting is ideal for the Greek classic Antigone, at Derby Theatre.
ANOTHER powerful Greek classic has been brought bang up to date at Derby Theatre ready to launch its new autumn season next week.
Sophocles' tense drama Antigone has been skillfully re-imagined in the contemporary setting of modern gangland culture. And, according to lead actress Savannah Gordon-Liburd, it has made the production a lot more accessible to audiences – particularly teenagers.
"It will be far easier for youngsters to tune in and relate to than the original play," she says. "They see this culture regularly portrayed on TV and maybe even in real life. The language and characters' names have all been updated too, making it much easier and quicker to follow the story line."
Antigone is about sticking to your principles even if it means suffering for it.
When the ruler Creon refuses to bury the body of her unruly brother, Antigone's anger quickly turns to open defiance – which, in turn, leads to her being buried alive.
Although Savannah was guarded about detailing exactly what happens to Antigone's contemporary counterpart – Tig – she did reveal just how much she is enjoying stepping into the shoes of this feisty female. She says: "I'm often cast in strong roles but Tig is a lot stronger than any of the characters I've played before.
"She is a lot braver too, which is why I find her very empowering – in fact I love this role. I've always wanted a part like this. I'm really enjoying playing a strong, black female and having to stand up to all the men. In fact, I find that last bit quite easy," she laughs.
"This is my first leading role and I'm so glad to be given a lively character not a safe girl. She is still very young, only 18, and it's not that she has no fear at all but she would rather do what's right than back down from fear of the consequences."
Savannah points out that Tig likes having fun with her friends and is a very well-rounded and believable character, rather than some kind of two dimensional super-hero, which also makes her a good role model.
"She isn't reckless but she is courageous enough to overcome her fears of what might happen to her if she sticks by what is right. Sometimes all it takes is one person to take a stand," says Savannah, who drew on aspects of one of her favourite fictional TV characters, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, to pitch her portrayal of Tig.
"I actually draw on many different characters for inspiration, I like to embody parts of everyone I admire."
The role has made additional demands on Savannah in terms of its emotional weight. "I've had to get really emotional on stage which is very tiring. I need to imagine my brother really has died to get the tears out and that leaves me feeling very drained after. I'm not quite sure I will survive this tour," she says.
Antigone has been rehearsed in Derby as a joint production between Derby Theatre and Pilot Theatre, in association with Theatre Royal Stratford East. After a two-week run in Derby, it will then embark on a two-month tour of the UK.
Savannah says it has shaped up to be a very powerful drama and that its timeless themes about not always following the crowd and having the courage to stand up for your beliefs makes it just as relevant today as it was in the days of ancient Greece.
WHAT: Antigone
WHERE: Derby Theatre
WHEN: September 19-October 4
ADMISSIONS: £10.50-£25.50 14-plus only
TICKETS: Call 01332 593939 or visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk
