Antigone

Inspired by acts of the French Resistance, Jean Anouilh’s Antigone was first performed in 1944, when France was still occupied by Nazi Germany. The play is famed for its seemingly ambiguous portrayal of the authority figure, Creon, as he confronts authority- defying martyr, Antigone and addresses themes of civil disobedience, morality, loyalty, authority, gender, and destiny.

Antigone: “You are the President you can do almost anything…. except stop me or save me”

While the original play appeared neutral enough to be performed under Nazi censorship, it was nevertheless interpreted as an act of defiance and a critique of the Vichy government which had allowed Nazi rule. It is a drama that both borrows and changes many elements of ancient Greek Tragedy.

In this 2024 version by directors Stuart Nash and Wakio Mzenge, the action has been moved to present day Nairobi for relevance and the emphasis has shifted so Antigone also represents oppressed women across the world, in the same way she was seen to represent the French Resistance in the 1944 version. Some of the characters have been changed from male to female to enhance the women’s role in the play so all the major dramatic roles are female in this Kenyan adaptation. Creon (King of Thebes) has become Koron: first female President of Kenya. The dialogue has also been updated and made relevant to a modern, young Kenyan audience with the dialogue principally in English and Swahili, whilst retaining some French and including Sheng. Antigone, is played by Lorna Lemi, a leading Kenyan actress, who is the voice of the people, the voice of Wanjiku, a change maker.

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Host or Publisher Alliance Française de Nairobi