Sophocles' classic, 'Antigone', is thrust into 2026 at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre.
It's a dynamic presentation of a timeless tale with direction from La Boite Artistic Director Courtney Stewart, and award-winning fight, movement and intimacy director Nigel Poulton. . . Set in a world of political unrest in the aftermath of a brutal civil war.
'Antigone' centres on a fearless young woman, who refuses to stay silent. Her brothers have killed each other fighting on opposing sides, and when she decides to challenge the ruling that one brother is honoured while the other is denied a burial, a brutal clash is ignited between personal conviction and authoritarian power.
A cast of three (Maddison Burridge, Billy Fogarty, Hayden Spencer) bring this energetic reimagining to life on the La Boite stage.
Here, we speak to Billy Fogarty, who plays four characters (Ismene, Haimon, Teiresias, the Sentry) in the production.
First of all. . . In your words, tell us a bit about ‘Antigone’.
It's so hard to summarise such a rich and complex story. 'Antigone' is about pride and reverence, fate and destiny, the law of man and the law of the gods, grief and love, action and inaction, the power of the state and the power of the people. It's about a young woman who decides to stand up for what she believes in, despite the consequences that brings.
What drew you to this story?
I've been a pretty big fan of Greek mythology for 16 years, since I first discovered the 'Percy Jackson' series! So getting a chance to dig my teeth into a Sophocles play has been a treat. The characters are complex and rich, and the idea of standing up for what is right, despite the personal cost, is, I think, incredibly important.
You’re playing FOUR characters in this show! Have you ever played this many characters in a production before, and what’s been the biggest challenge so far?
In 2023 I jumped into a show (with a week's notice!) where I played four characters, although two of those characters were very small parts. The biggest challenge so far, on a technical note, has been the quick changes! But our brilliant ASM Kelsey Booth has been the biggest help with that, and the whole team has been so patient. Another challenge, that I thoroughly enjoy figuring out, is how to continue on the characters' respective emotional arcs, while jumping from one character to another.
Billy Fogarty in 'Antigone' (rehearsal) - Image © Stephen Henry
As an experience, what would you say has been the most REWARDING part of it?
The whole experience has been incredibly rewarding – getting to be in the room with so many first-class creatives is a privilege. The opportunity to learn about theatrical biomechanics from Nigel Poulton, and to do 90 minutes of physical training with him at the start of every rehearsal day was incredible (and tough!)!
Which of the four characters you play would you say you most relate to the most, and why?
To me, Ismene, Antigone's sister, is the most relatable. I think a lot of us, including myself, want to believe that we would be like Antigone when push comes to shove, but that requires a bravery that I, at least, struggle to find. However, I also believe that people need to find that bravery in their own time, in their own way, which Ismene does. It is okay to say "I was wrong". It takes all of us, together, to make meaningful change.
Why do you think a story like ‘Antigone’ fits in the 2026 landscape?
The relevancy of 'Antigone', especially in the 2026 landscape, has felt pretty wild at times. All across the western world, it seems, we are watching authoritarianism rise. Laws are being introduced in the hopes that people will remain silent and complicit. The punishment may not be death, it's true, but we are seeing state-sanctioned violence, both here and abroad, as well as the imprisonment of peaceful protesters, which Antigone is.
It’s also particularly relevant as the season takes place around International Women’s Day. Talk a bit about the play in relation to that in particular.
Only recently, a certain politician called a courageous, outspoken, passionate young woman "difficult" – a word so often used to describe women who are simply standing up and speaking out for what they believe is right. For themselves, for their communities, and for the world at large. In Sophocles' play, we see Creon constantly diminishing Antigone, Ismene, and also just. . . Women as a whole. Women have always been labelled as difficult, bossy, and loud-mouthed. I believe those labels are a badge of honour. I have seen the most beautiful women in my orbit make themselves smaller, literally and metaphorically, to fit standards set for them by a society that couldn't care less for them. And I have seen women get stronger, and bigger, and louder, and bolder in spite of it all.
And how are you hoping audiences respond to the work in generally?
I personally hope that people are inspired to be a little bit braver.
'Antigone' plays La Boite Theatre (Brisbane) 5-21 March.
