Davis & Elkins College Theatre & Film presents “Burial at Thebes”
ELKINS, W.Va. — The Davis & Elkins College Theatre & Film program will present “Burial at Thebes: A Version of Sophocles’ Antigone” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 16 and 17 in Harper McNeely Auditorium in the Myles Center for the Arts.
Written by Irish Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, the production features music provided by the local WV Highland Dance community and explores the clash between power and love.
The play opens in Thebes after Antigone and Ismene’s brothers kill each other in battle. Their uncle, the newly crowned King Creon, permits only one brother to be buried and orders death for anyone who attempts to honor the other. The sisters must choose between honoring their brother and obeying the king’s decree.
The cast includes Alexis Parsons, Damian Stevenson, Harley Dragone, Isabell McCormick, Isreal Holte, Jesse Zirkle, Mackenzie Deem, Marissa Mallow, Mary Orndoff, Nova Hamm, Taylor Lesnak and Zion Black, along with community members Sarah Staud and Savannah Williamson.
Students supporting the production through design, technical work and management include Aidan Miller, Audrey Higgins, Audrey Kosydar, Cat Tenney, Jacquette Phillips, Jon Bennett, Joseph Birchland, Kyle Dailey and Marina Saviceva-Noti.
“My favorite part of the production so far has been seeing everyone hard at work,” said senior Damian Stevenson, who plays Creon.
Isreal Holte, who plays Haemon, said “it’s going to be a fun play overall” for everyone involved.
Senior Mary Orndoff, who plays Antigone, said she has enjoyed exploring cultural expressions of grief, including keening.
“I think it’s cool to see the different types,” Orndoff said. She also hopes audiences will appreciate the intimacy of the production’s alley-style staging.
Aubrey Helene Neumann, the production’s director and an assistant professor of theatre and film at Davis & Elkins College, said she looks forward to sharing the “convergence of Greek tragedy, Irish storytelling, and the rich cultural traditions of our local Highlands community.”
“I’m deeply grateful to WV Highland Dance for collaborating with us and humbled to be part of such a unique celebration of theatre, heritage, and community,” Neumann said.
The production includes adult content, with references to self-harm, violence and death. Admission is $10. D&E students receive free admission with a student ID. Seating is limited, and audience members are encouraged to reserve seats.
