'The Burial at Thebes' Rises to the Occasion

The may not be as big as Broadway, but the cast of "The Burial at Thebes" is bringing the small community theater to life on Friday and Saturday nights with a contemporary telling of a classic Greek tragedy that leaves audiences moved and impressed.

"The Burial at Thebes" is a modern adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy "Antigone." The original story is one of gods, guilt, power, and destruction that is all retold in this easy to follow production written by Seamus Heaney and directed by 29-year-old Patrick Miller.

In keeping with the contemporary tone of the play, Miller has recently decided to include an audience discussion following select shows. The casual talk will surround parallels between the play and current events like that of the recent killing and burial of Osama Bin Laden.

“Current events shape the view of this play like, how do we think of the rights due to the people who may harm us,” Miller said at the start of the discussion “I think it’s important to connect art with contemporary views.”

"The Burial at Thebes" is a story about the children of the shamed king Oedipus, who married his mother and murdered his father. Their kingdom of Thebes is torn apart by a war between Oedipus’ sons, Polyneices and Eteocles, who kill each other on the battle field. The play begins just after the new king, Creon, issues a law that no citizen is to bury Polyneices under penalty of death. King Creon is corrupted by his own thirst for power, his prejudices toward women and his suspicion of bribes which costs him by the play's end.

The show, which lasts 75 minutes, is sprinkled with moments of gasps and giggles. The audience finds themselves on edge when key characters perform emotional monologues. Comic relief is provided upon the entrance of the humble character, “The Guard,” who is coincidentally played by one of the play’s two producers, Kevin O’Connell.

The show is cast by a mix of professional and amateur actors and actresses ranging in age, all of whom still find the non-paying roles to be gratifying in different ways.

“Evil people are more fun to play because it’s something that you don’t get to be in real life” said actor Michael J. Galizia, 53, who plays the main antagonist, Creon.

The community atmosphere of the theater transcends to the cast and crew. This family-like chemistry is obvious on stage as the actors react to each other’s emotions and attitudes with flawless ease and synchronization.

“My husband and I go to a lot of community theater,” remarked audience member Ginny Jones, “Usually one person doesn’t quite rise to the occasion but all of these people are absolutely phenomenal”

"The Burial at Thebes" will be playing through May 21 on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. with a matinee showing on select Sunday afternoons. Whether you’re a Greek Mythology wiz or just a theater lover, "The Burial at Thebes" is a must-see, thought-provoking treat.

The Greenbelt Arts Center is located at 123 Centerway in Greenbelt, Md.