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The Arts Council Playography Na Gaeilge

Plays

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The Riot Act

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Tom Paulin 

  • Adapted / Translated From

    Sophocles

  • Author Notes

    After 'Antigone' by Sophocles.
  • Notes

    First performed in a double bill with 'High Time' by Derek Mahon (listed separately).

  • Synopsis

    Thebes has endured a ruinous civil war as a result of the rivalry between two brothers - Polyneices and Eteocles. Each sought absolute power at the other's expense and each found death at his brother's hand. Creon, ruler and uncle of the two dead warlords, issues an edict that Eteocles be buried with military honours and that Polyneices be denied a final resting place. He makes a proclamation that anyone found burying Polyneices will be put to death. Antigone, sister of the two dead brothers, is prepared to pay that price. She is caught red-handed and sentenced to death by live entombment. She takes her own life and Haemon, her lover, crazed by her death, falls on his sword beside her.

  • Play Type

    Adaptation/Translation

    Number Of Acts

    One Act

  • Cast Size Male

    6

  • Cast Size Female

    3

  • Cast Notes

    In the original production members of the cast also played the chorus

Original Production

  • Date of First Production

    19 September 1984

  • Producer

    Produced by Field Day Theatre Company

  • Original Venue


  • Venue Notes

    First performed at The Guildhall, Derry.

Original Cast  
Haemon Joseph Crilly
Eurydice Nuala Hayes
Ismene Hilary Reynolds
Creon Stephen Rea
Chorus Leader Ciaran Hinds
Guard Mark Lambert
Teiresias Des McAleer
Antigone Veronica Quilligan
Messenger Kilian McKenna
Production Team  
Director Stephen Rea
Designer Brien Vahey
Lighting Designer Rory Dempster
Music by Keith Donald
Administration Assistant Bridie Gallagher
Stage Manager Michael Foyle
Stage Manager Bo Barton
Assistant Stage Manager Alison Kelly
Lighting Operator Dennis Martin
Set Construction Set Up
Wardrobe Alison Kelly
PR Jude Bowles
Graphic Design Ralph Dobson
Poster Image Basil Blackshaw
Photography Fergus Bourke
Administrator Julie Barber

Published Scripts

Rights Information

  • Territory

    All Territories

  • Rights Type

    Adaptation rights

  • Contact

    Faith Evans Associates

  • Address

    27 Park Avenue North
    London N8 7RU
    England

  • Phone

    + 44 (0)20 8340 9920

Source Of Information

The information for this entry was taken from the original production programme and published script.