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When & Where July 9 - September 18, 2026 | Douglas Campbell Theatre at Bard on the Beach, Senakw/Vanier Park, Vancouver Director Ming Hudson Set and Costume Designer Jessica Oostergo Lighting Designer John Webber Composer, Musical Director and Sound Designer Joelysa Pankanea Stage Manager Rebecca Mulvihill Director and Movement Consultant Jonathan Hawley Purvis Intimacy Director Lisa Goebel Tickets: Starting at $30 Available at https://bardonthebeach.org/schedule Reviewer Christian Steckler When Sophocles wrote this tragedy about 2500 years ago, the world had already seen its share of conflicts, philosophical and moral conundrums, and interpersonal conflicts. These themes are timeless because human culture has learned nothing from these experiences that matches the power of personal belief and will. Antigone is a study in conflict between moral conscience and the duties to the state, muddied somewhat by beliefs in fate and destiny. Kate Besworth’s adaptation is masterful in bringing the ancient poetic rhythm and power in language to modern parlance, while keeping safe the spirit of classical poetic texture and feel, and the sacred power of storytelling. This production is a masterpiece, and an immense credit to all who have spent years workshopping it. Ming Hudson’s direction of the works through their evolution has resulted in a deeply personal experience for audience members, where each of us understands the soundness of all of the characters’ emotions, words, and actions. The Chorus, Kate Besworth, Cameron Grant, Jennifer Lines, Paul Moniz de Sa, and Azeen Zare, chart the way of the story throughout. As a group, and individually, they inform and challenge all present to examine values and priorities. They amaze us and make us ponder the wisdom of specific reasoning and motives for action. They bring the story inside each of us meaningfully. Yoshie Bancroft is absolutely spellbinding as Antigone, leaving no doubt in this reviewer’s mind as to her incredible, deeply personal commitment to the character. Kate Besworth charms as Ismene, freshly different from her sister, Antigone. Besworth’s Ismene is playful, in-the-moment, loving simply and fully, and enjoying (or trying to enjoy) life. Jennifer Lines, as Jocasta, their mother, beautifully portrays maternal knowing, sensitivity, protection and love. Paul Moniz de Sa is a marvelous King Creon, reacting to his conflicting values of loving uncle and strong and dutiful monarch with a powerful performance. Cameron Grant’s performance as Haimon, Antigone’s fiance, is inspiring. He is a different character from his compatriots, more whimsical and simply direct, but has all the elements to make his life work in their society. Grant exhibits remarkable talent in finding the right balance. The production crew deserve special mention in the success of this production. Sets and costumes take us to ancient Greece, and the masks of the Chorus remind us of the play’s beginnings. Light and Sound are remarkable: often subliminal, as they affect mood; at crucial points, strongly and powerfully noted, highlighting strong emotion and climactic action. This production of Antigone is a masterpiece of storytelling, teaching lessons and bringing the audience to think deeply and feel strongly through awe-inspiring acting talent and masterful production values…one of the best performances that this reviewer has ever had the privilege to see. ©
2026 Christian Steckler | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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