ANTIGONE (1949)

Jean Anouilh's play "Antigone" is a tragedy inspired by Greek mythology and the play of the same name ("Antigone", by Sophocles) from the fifth century B.C.

Written by: Jean Anouilh

Genre: tragedy

Producer: Laurence Olivier

Vivien's role: Antigone

Location: Old Vic Theatre Company at the New Theatre, London

Opened: New Theatre, London, on 10 February 1949

Cast: Vivien Leigh (as Antigone), Laurence Olivier (Chorus), George Relph (Creon), Terence Morgan (Messenger), Dan Cunningham (Haemon), and Merica Swinburne

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Comments

Jean-Louis Barrault (French actor, director and mime artist): "The biggest surprise of the performance is the acting of Miss Vivien Leigh, who brings to Antigone a taut strength, and a restraint which may surprise even the most loyal fans of this beautiful actress. Her voice, which it is permissible to suggest has not always been her strongest point, is deeper, more intense and controlled, less genteel than we remember. She gives Antigone the loneliness and desperate courage of a lost and determined child, while at the end, when the condemned girl is dictating a letter to her lover, she is properly tragic. This is a splendid performance."

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