2017-18 Winter, Issue 3- Antigone

MONARCH

WINTER EDITION

2018

SPOTLIGHT

Antigone March 9-11

Monarch Pavilion

Production Teams Set Designers Louis DiBernardo Andrew Park Lia Weed Costume Designers Ava Walters Lia Weed Sound Designers Andrew Park Lighting Designers Jacob Nguyen Andrew Park

Audio Team Louis DiBernardo* Carson Alanes Daniel Mejia Sebastian Saintignon Wardrobe Team Ava Walters* Lia Weed* Sarah Ledesma Fiona Mulholland Megan Yglesias

Properties Team Casey Fort* Sofia Moreno* Annemarie Verkuylen Deck Team Sam Enriquez* Amy Busch Erik Doty Aidan Mulholland Lighting Ben Cruz* Jacob Nguyen Andrew Park

Dario Rimicci Hair & Makeup Team Daniella Arcila* Kiana Hernandez* Maria Contreras Jessica Hicks Danika McKee Betty Pham House Manager Louis DiBernardo Alexandra Ruiz

Leah Sparks Ms. Alexi Thomas Publicity Team Andrew Estrada* Betty Pham* Cappies Coordinator Grace Danon Box Office Ms. Allison Spencer Concessions Mrs. Kristi Alanes

Programs *denotes team leader

Directors’ Notes

Mr. Joe Alanes Director of Theatre

Sophocles, in writing Antigone, created the first true heroine in Theatre history. Antigone is a character who stands up against “the government” in civil disobedience and defiance. This play deals with this, and many other issues and themes that are still relevant today, which is why we chose it to be our Project: Discourse production. Project: Discourse was created to spark discussion across campus, of the various social issues of a given play. This is done through creative lesson plans in all subjects, from English to Religion to Science, and everything in between. We also utilize a student director for this production, in order to approach the material from the students’ perspective, and to create a truly student-created piece of Theatre, with students in all leadership and creative positions. Thanks to the administration, faculty, staff, and especially parents, for giving the students the freedom and encouragement to create art, theatre, and discourse. Here are a few words from this year’s student director:

Antigone is a timeless piece of theatrical tragedy. While designing the conceptual aspects of Antigone, I realized the many layers and facets I could explore. My focus on Creon’s humanity reveals society's tendencies to villainize normal people who make appropriate choices given the context of society’s ardent pursuit of justice.

In our society, war is a constant. Whether we are teetering on the edge of conflict, suffering through it, or coping with the tragedy it leaves in its wake. There is no better example of this than World War II, the time period in which this iteration of Antigone is set. This World War II atmosphere affects the way the characters see one another, which has both positive and negative impacts. I wanted to observe these extremes of war life through the lens of theatre.

The everyday citizen is represented in our Greek Chorus, in which each member holds a unique voice.

Stefania Giron They are the citizens, soldiers, and bystanders of this world, unified by the strife of a war society. When alone, Student Director they are the small voices that are ignored. When standing together, their sonorous vocalizations transcend any one individual status.

Antigone's actions of compassion and undying loyalty touch the lives of all those around her. Her purity and dedication seem harmless as she seeks to ensure lasting blessings on her dear brother, but war turns an innocent act of love into a crime. The world we live in is so often divided by nationalism and country specific politics, so I sought to create an ambiguous setting in order to unify the experiences of the Allied Powers, and further allow the audience to let go of any such biases. My focus and mission was to emphasize the social injustices and corruption of kindness found within the story.

The questions that this show poses have stuck with us since Antigone’s inception, even now, there are not answers for the inquires of morality it possesses. The goal of this show is not to impose or assert my own beliefs about loyalty, family, or treason, but rather to make sure that those question carry with you, through you, perhaps even farther to your own voices to touch those beyond just this community.

Being open to the thoughts and experiences of others that are undoubtedly different and removed from our own can be a struggle, but at times in our lives we are all Creon, the wrongful villain and reluctant leader. We all deserve to be listened to and all have the capacity to be ourselves.

By Sophocles Director Mr. Joseph Alanes Student Director Stefania Giron Performance Coach Mr. Danny Campbell

Technical Director Mr. Greg Martin Mr. Andrew Roberts

Assistant Directors Lauryn Lilly Vicki Silva

Assistant Stage Managers Carson Alanes Kelli Wilkes

Production Manager Ms. Alexi Thomas

Stage Managers Lauren Jones Miranda Vasquez

Student Technical Director Louis DiBernardo

Producer Mr. Scott Melvin

Dramaturge Amanda Klarin

Special Acknowledgements

Special Thanks

MD PRESIDENT…..………………….…………..……… Mr. Patrick Murphy

Mr. Barsuglia and the Events and Media Services Team, Mr. Avendano, Mrs. Monge, Mr. and Mrs. McNally and MEI, Ms. Spencer, MDHS Theatre Committee Members, Mr. Ritter and the Facilities Team, Ms. Christine Waldron and all sophomore level teachers of the English Dept., Mrs. Molly Chace, Mr. Tom Duffy, All Crew Members and All Cast Parents. And thanks to our Theatre Moms, Diana Mendoza and Kim Rangell, for always being so amazing and willing to help with the program!

MD PRINCIPAL…..…………………….………….……… Ms. Frances Clare VP BUSINESS SERVICES…..……….….….………………. Mr. David Taylor VP ADVANCEMENT.………….………….……………….. Mrs. Erica Adams MD ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS…………….………. Mrs. Geri Campeau ’87 Mr. Lee Gaeta Mrs. Audrey Ganey EXEC. DIR., PERFORMING ARTS……..…………………. Mr. Scott Melvin

Special thanks to the Theatre Angel Club Members for their generosity.

This translation is published in THE COMPLETE PLAYS OF SOPHOCLES by Robert Bagg & James Scully (Harper Perennial, 2011) and is also included in THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE, 3rd edn

Special Acknowledgements

Special Thanks

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Cast (In Order of Appearance) Antigone….…………..…….……… Kalusha Brutlag Ismene…………………………………Aria Buchanan Choragos (leader of the chorus)……Natalie Smale Chorus……………………………..Jack Chorbagian Grace Danon Lucy O’Hara Gwyneth Stolo Creon………………..………………Andrew Estrada Eurydice…………………………..Maddie Mageean Guard #1………………………….Michael Woodard Guard #2……..…..……………..………….Lily Ponce Guard #3….………………………..Caroline Kawabe Haemon…………………………………Eddie Kerins Tiresias……………..………………Nick Van Dalsem Lad………………………………………Paige Solano

Messenger #1………..…………………….. Gwen Smith Messenger #2………..……………………. Sandra Muro Messenger #3………..………………….. Daniella Arcila Ensemble……….…..…………………… Mariana Albert Imani Brutlag Isabelle Buchanan Kristina Crilly Owen Logan

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Summary Antigone picks up in the same place that Oedipus at Colonus leaves off. Oedipus has just passed away in Colonus, and Antigone and her sister decide to return to Thebes with the intention of helping their brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, avoid a prophecy that predicts they will kill each other in a battle for the throne of Thebes.

Outside the city gates, Antigone tells Ismene that Creon has ordered that Eteocles, who died defending the city, is to be buried with full honors, while the body of Polyneices, the traitor, is left to rot.

Furthermore, Creon has declared that anyone attempting to bury Polyneices shall be publicly stoned to death. Outraged, Antigone reveals to Ismene a plan to bury Polyneices in secret, despite Creon's order.

When Ismene timidly refuses to defy the king, Antigone angrily rejects her and goes off alone to bury her brother.

Creon discovers that someone has attempted to offer a ritual burial to Polyneices and demands that the guilty one be found and brought before him. When he discovers that Antigone, his niece, has defied his order, Creon is furious. Antigone makes an impassioned argument, declaring Creon's order to be against the laws of the gods themselves. Enraged by Antigone’s refusal to submit to his authority, Creon declares that she and her sister will be put to death.

Haemon, Creon's son advises his father to reconsider his decision. The father and son argue, Haemon accusing Creon of arrogance, and Creon accusing Haemon of unmanly weakness in siding with a woman. Haemon leaves in anger, swearing never to return. Without admitting that Haemon may be right, Creon amends his pronouncement on the sisters: Ismene shall live, and Antigone will be sealed in a tomb to die of starvation, rather than stoned to death by the city. The blind prophet Tiresias warns Creon that the gods disapprove of his leaving Polyneices unburied and will punish the king's impiety with the death of his own son. After rejecting Tiresias angrily, Creon reconsiders and decides to bury Polyneices and free Antigone.

Cast Bios Kalusha Brutlag (Antigone) Kalusha is very grateful to be a part of this year's production of Antigone. This is Kalusha's seventh production here at Mater Dei. Kalusha has played Black Stache in Peter and The Starcatcher, Tituba in The Crucible, Mopsa in The Winter's Tale, and Adrianna in Comedy of Errors. Antigone has been such an interesting and challenging character to bring to life. The rehearsal process has been such a blessing for Kalusha, as it has been a chance for her to learn and grow as a performer. Kalusha has really appreciated being able to work with all of her wonderful classmates and grow closer to them. She is very excited to perform today and thanks God for allowing her to have such an amazing and enriching experience. :)

Andrew Estrada (Creon) Andrew is a senior this year and is beyond excited to be playing Creon. Some of his favorite roles at Mater Dei include Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), Reverend Parris (The Crucible), King Leontes (The Winter’s Tale) and George (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Outside of Mater Dei, he's been the Scarecrow in The Wiz, Tonton Julian in Once On This Island, and Kurt in Heathers. At Mater Dei, he is also a section leader of the Chamber Singers, president of the A Cappella Ensemble, in the Improv Comedy Troupe and on the Cappies team. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and Mr. Alanes, Mr. Campbell, and Ms. Thomas for all that they've done to help him grow as a performer to make this a great production. He thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!

Nick Van Dalsem (Tiresias) Nick is very excited to be portraying Tiresias in this year’s All-School Play, Antigone. Previously, he has played the roles of Jack in Into the Woods, Thomas Putnam in The Crucible, Florizell in A Winter’s Tale, Angelo in The Comedy of Errors, Juror #10 in Twelve Angry Men, and, most recently, Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone. He is a member of Chamber Singers, Improv Comedy Club, Campus Ministry, the Junior Class President this year, and was elected to be the ASB President next year. He loves to sing, dab, and eat fine sugar cereals. Nick enjoys putting hashtags on random things that don’t need hashtags. He has also achieved the #impressive mark of a 57.6 % career shooting percentage in NBA 2K15. Nick thinks flossing is very #important and encourages all in the audience to floss today! Nick would like to thank his wonderful parents #and brothers for their support. He would also like to thank Mr. Alanes, Ms. Thomas, and Mr. Campbell for their work during this show.

Eddie Kerins (Haemon) Edward Kerins is in absolute love with the fact that he could take part in such an arcane and phantasmal play. He's landed major roles in productions such as servant #3 in Cinderella, background pirate in J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan!, and ice skater #5 in A Charlie Brown Christmas. In his spare time he enjoys playing croquet, practicing the pan flute, competing in haiku slams, and entering body building contests. Enjoy the show!

Aria Buchanan (Ismene) Aria is a senior and is so excited to be playing Ismene in one of her favorite plays of all time—Antigone. Favorite past roles in MD theatre include: the drunk Gay Wellington in You Can't Take It With You, The Egg in Macbeth, the creep Alf in Peter and the Starcatcher, the crazy witch Sarah Good in The Crucible, and the old Shepherd in The Winter's Tale. Favorite hobbies include: eating food (but not breakfast), listening to the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, and making cheesy puns. She would like to thank the cast and crew for this amazing production and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Natalie Smale (Choragos- Chorus Leader) Natalie is beyond excited to be playing the Chorus Leader in Mater Dei's Antigone. Some of her favorite past productions have been 12 Angry Women, The Winter's Tale, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, and Les Miserablès, as well as many others. When she's not at rehearsal, Natalie spends her time baking outrageous amounts of cookies, drinking way too much coffee, and playing with her corgi, Macchiato. She would like to thank Mr. Alanes and Mr. Campbell for all of their support as well as her family and friends for being there for her, and would love to give Ms. Thomas a shout out for always being so amazing! She hopes you have as much fun watching the show as as she has had working on it!

Jack Chorbagian (Chorus Member) Jack Chorbagian is nearing the end of his days as a senior at Mater Dei High School and he is enthused to be narrating Antigone as an Elder in the Chorus. After leaving football, Jack fell in love with theatre during his first high school play, Romeo and Juliet, where he portrayed a swordsman and nearly stabbed his eye. Obviously that wasn’t enough to scare him off as Antigone marks his ninth Mater Dei production. Past roles include Peter Pan in Peter and the Starcatcher, Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible, King Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale, and several others. He would love to take this time to thank his parents for being incredible role models and for shaping him into the man that he is today.

Jack hopes that you’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy this Ancient Greek masterpiece.

Cast Bios cont.

Grace Danon (Chorus Member) This is Grace's eleventh time performing on the Mater Dei stage. As a senior, she has been actively involved in theatre these past four years and now serves as Theatre Arts Club President and Lead Cappies Critic. She is also involved with ASB and campus ministry, and enjoys playing piano, doing yoga, cooking, and traveling. She’d like to thank her parents for their support and Mr. Alanes, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Campbell, Stephanie, and all the cast and crew for their hard work. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lucy O’Hara (Chorus Member) Lucy is very grateful to be part of the Chorus of Theban Elders in Antigone which is her ninth Mater Dei production.

Besides acting, she enjoys singing, sleeping, exotic teas, French music, Lord of the Rings Marathons, and watching cartoons. Her dream job is to work and act as Rapunzel in the Disneyland cast.

Gwyneth Stolo (Chorus Member) Gwyneth, a junior at Mater Dei, is so grateful to be playing a member of the Chorus in this production of Antigone. She has previously been involved in many others shows here, most recently as Juror #12 in 12 Angry Women and Antigonus in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. She throughly enjoys the theatre program and receives a lot of great support from her family and friends. Gwyneth is connoisseur of pasta, frequent concert-goer, and extreme dog lover. She hopes you enjoy the show and continue your support of the Mater Dei Theatre Arts program!

Maddie Mageean (Eurydice) Maddie is a theatre-loving, movie-obsessed girl who is very excited for this production of Antigone. She has been doing MDHS theatre since freshmen year when she was an ensemble member in Lord of the Flies. As her time participating in high school theatre nears an end, she wants to thank everyone for letting her be part of such a wonderful tradition. She hopes you enjoy this interpretation of this timeless show. Thanks to her mom and dad for helping her in her theatre goals.

Thank you for coming, and enjoy the show!

Michael Woodard (Guard 1) Michael is new to the theatre scene at Mater Dei. Although he is an active member of the filmmaking program, this will be his second play ever. He previously portrayed Juror #4 in the play 12 Angry Men, after which he fell in love with the theatre program. His hobbies outside of theatre include curling, woodshopping, horse whispering, and riding his green machine.

Other programs he is involved in at Mater Dei include NHS, ASB, XTD, and CSF. He would like to thank his knowledgeable mentors in the theatre program, Ewan Mcgregor, the student directors, his castmates, and Lauryn for helping him write this very bio.

Lily Ponce (Guard 2) Lilyanna, who plays a guard in Antigone, is really excited to have this role and be a part of this play. She is a freshman at Mater Dei and is 14 years old. Her favorite subjects are Art and Theatre. Her favorite hobby is drawing. She also enjoys listening to K-pop.

BTS is her favorite band, and her favorite song is We don’t have to dance by Andy Beirsack. She also likes to spend her free time watching t.v., especially The Good Doctor, Soul eater, and Scream Queens. She also enjoys watching Anime. Her favorite Anime is Attack on Titan. She has experience in theatre, and this is her third time performing in a play. Her first play was in middle school where she performed in the role of Ivy in a production of The Boarding House. The second time she performed as an ensemble member for Shakespeare in the Grotto. This has been the most rewarding experience so far for her.

Caroline Kawabe (Guard 3) Caroline is more than excited to be in Mater Dei's production of Antigone during her freshman year! She has been in many productions prior to her role in Antigone. Some of her past parts include: Alice (Alice in Wonderland), Lily (Annie), Wickersham (Suessical), Pyramus (A Midsummer's Night Dream). This is Caroline’s third production at Mater Dei. She was previously in Comedy of Errors and The Drowsy Chaperone. Caroline would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Alanes, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Thomas, all of the student directors, cast, and crew for making this show possible! Also, a huge thank you to her family, friends, and other theatre mentors for helping her along the way. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast Bios cont.

Gwen Smith (Messenger 1) Gwen is very excited to play the messenger in our rendition of Antigone. Other characters she has had the opportunity to play include Rafiki from The Lion King, and the 11th Juror in Twelve Angry Women. She has also been involved with the Mater Dei theatre productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Crucible, Winters Tale, Comedy Of Errors, Twelve Angry Women, and The Drowsy Chaperone. Ever since she was little she has done as much as she could to be involved with the theatre. In other plays she has been involved in, she has worked back stage, has stage managed, has been a lead for deck and props. She would like to thank the directors for casting and putting faith in her to play this character. Gwen is very grateful to have been given the chance to act in this play and is thankful to have this opportunity to perform with so many talented people.

Sandra Muro (Messenger 2) Sandra, currently a senior, is thrilled to be a part of the Antigone cast. Although Sandra mostly works backstage, she has previously appeared in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a dancer fairy and in Peter and the Starcatcher as Mack. Sandra is a Campus Ministry commissioner and one of the publicity directors for the Theatre Arts Club. She would like to thank her parents, her siblings, and her best friend Miranda Vazquez for their love and support in everything she does.

Daniella Arcila (Messenger 3) Daniella is very glad to be a part of the Antigone cast. She has been in theatre since her freshman year when she first performed in a scene in Shortsfest and has continued since then. Most recently, Daniella played Juror 7 in the Advanced Theatre Arts production of 12 Angry Women which has been her favorite character thus far. She feels so lucky to be a part of this wonderful program among so many talented individuals. In her free time, Daniella enjoys listening to music, watching movies, spending time with her friends and family, and traveling.

Paige Solano (Lad) Paige a sophomore at Mater Dei, and is excited to be participating in this production of Antigone. Along with theatre, Paige is also in the Mater Dei choir. She also likes to play golf. She has acted and worked backstage in one non-Mater Dei production and three Mater Dei productions before Antigone. Paige was an ensemble member in The Comedy of Errors and The Winter’s Tale, and was also Fred’s wife in her elementary school’s production of A Christmas Carol. Paige worked backstage in The Crucible and The Drowsy Chaperone. She’d like to thank my family for letting me continue theatre. She’d also like to thank Mr. Alanes, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Thomas, the cast, and the rest of the crew for helping us put this production together. I hope you enjoy the show.

Mariana Albert (Ensemble) Mariana is a senior this year and is very excited to be a part of Antigone, as a wonderful ensemble member. She has also been in past Mater Dei productions of Les Miserables, The Crucible, and The Winter’s Tale. This is her third year being involved in theatre at MD, and she's loved being part of it. Mariana has been playing the violin for 14 years and is concertmistress of Mater Dei’s String Ensemble. Outside of school, she enjoys reading when she can, watching good movies, and listening to good music. She would like to thank everyone—including family, teachers, friends, and classmates—who has supported her throughout her whole life.

Imani Brutlag (Ensemble) Antigone will be the fifth play Imani has done in all, excluding musicals. She has been in one other play and musical at Mater Dei as a freshman. She is the proud owner of two cats. Her hobbies include doodling on her hands, books and iPad case, watching the “Bee Movie” thirty-five times in total, recreating vines, and watching Netflix. Imani’s favorite shows include “The Office”, “Rick and Morty”, and “Bob’s Burgers”. She also has an incorrigible addiction to sour gummy worms.

Her favorite band of all time is Fleetwood Mac and her favorite song is “Gypsy”. Imani is very excited and proud for the play to debut. She is also very proud of her older sister, Kalusha, for landing the lead role of Antigone. Imani hopes to do more plays with her theatre family and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Isabelle Buchanan (Ensemble) Isabelle is a freshman and this is her third play at Mater Dei. In her free time she enjoys laughing, telling stories, enjoying the company of friends (and watching Friends), listening to Disney music, attempting to dance along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack, terribly singing karaoke, and looking at cute dog pictures. She wants to thank the cast, crew, advisors, and families involved in making Antigone such an amazing experience! She is so excited for everyone to see this production and hopes everyone enjoys the show as much as she does. She has loved being a part of theatre this year and looks forward to three more years of making memories with her second family.

Cast Bios cont.

Kristina Crilly (Ensemble) Kristina is a senior at Mater Dei High School. This eighteen year old is thoroughly involved in the Performing Arts and the Visual Arts. Currently she is in Bel Canto, the advanced women’s ensemble and does her fair share of Theatre activities, from Les Miserables to Shortsfest. Art has always been her passion and she is happily enrolled in AP Studio Art, which is actually starting to advance a pile of sketches and canvases in her room. She would like send her love and thank her family, friends, and fans for all their countless support. Au revoir~

Owen Logan (Ensemble) Owen is a freshman at Mater Dei, and he is incredibly excited to be a part of the cast of Antigone. This is Owen’s first performance, and he’s greatly enjoyed the time to both get to know new people and the Mater Dei Theatre Department. He hopes to be in future performances and get the most out of Mater Dei and all has to offer. Owen would like to thank the cast, crew, and the directors that have made this production what it is! Enjoy the show!

what’s

next

Proud supporter of Mater Dei Performing Arts ShortsFest Spring Event - March 21 - 7pm Monarch Pavilion Prices start at $5 Join the Theatre Dept. for our spring fundraiser. Enjoy desserts and coffee while watching our amazing students perform in scenes, monologues, and musical numbers. Also, take part in the raffle for a night for two to see Hamilton, enjoy a nice dinner, and stay the night at the Marriott hotel in Costa Mesa!

Spring Concert - March 26 - 7:30pm Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Segerstrom Center for the Arts Prices start at $7 Join the singers and ringers of the Mater Dei Choirs as they present their festival and Spain tour literature. Joining them as always is are the fantastic Mater Dei Jazz Band, the Mater Dei Music Academy and the Mater Dei Junior High Honor Choir.

Red Hot Jazz - April 25 - 6:00pm Spaghettini’s Jazz Club Seal Beach Prices start at $25 You will be tapping your toes and scatting along through this annual showcase of the Mater Dei Jazz bands and vocalists. Rumor has it a certain Bishop might perform that evening as well - you won’t want to miss it!

For ticketing to all our events and information about our programs please visit: www.materdei.org/PerformingArts