Happy Theater, a theatrical group using object puppetry and physical theatre to heal, unite and inspire, and sorrows&songs, peddling poetry and wonder by way of the stage, will bring the original physical theatre piece, AntiCone, to Washington, DC proper upon returning from a run at FringeNYC as an Official Selection.
AntiCone is co-created, co-directed and performed by Natasha Mirny of Happy Theater and Tia Shearer of sorrows&songs. Inspired by Sophocles’ Antigone, AntiCone is the largely wordless story of an immigrant who is put to work building a wall against her country of origin (and, therefore, her brothers), under the dangerous eye of new leader, Creon, and against the pull of her ancient namesake.
Scored by the evocative and visceral original music of Alexander Nikitin, the play combines physical theatre, clowning, and audience interaction, with unique, powerful dances choreographed and performed by Moscow-trained Mirny as Antigone. Shearer, who has been called one of DC’s “most versatile actors” (BroadwayWorld) and a “straight up chameleon” (DC Theatre Scene), plays the five characters surrounding Antigone, including Creon, her brother, and the Chorus.
AntiCone was awarded funding through the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County to perform at The Writers Center in Bethesda last fall. After a year of development by these two artist-mothers, the show played to packed houses.
Running Time: 45 minutes.
AntiCone plays November 3, 10 & 17 at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, 1556 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007. All performances begin at 7 p.m. This is a FREE event; however, donations will be accepted online and at the door, and RSVPs are encouraged here. Please note that seating is limited. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
