By Alison Ireland

It may have been a lucky chance that the opening night of this student production of Antigone coincided with the state-splitting election in the US. But the intent of the original translation, courtesy of Classics student Lauren Curtis, was deliberate in its attempt to draw political parallels with today's current affairs.

Zeynep Kayacan, director, reminds us in her programme note that 'the play has strong resonances for a modern audience'. However, this was at times a little strained and interfered to some extent with the emotional impact of the relentless, unfolding tragic events brought about by Creon's megalomania: a connection with the audience on one level was sacrificed for over-stated political comment.

Antigone herself is a difficult part - for a tragic heroine she is rather annoying, but Caroline Brown put on a good, if not great, act. Other note-worthy performances came from James Lea as Haemon, who has a strong, moving voice full of dramatic potential, and Kuroum Bukhari as Tiresias, whose dire warnings transfixed the audience - his scenes were the exception to my earlier comment concerning lack of emotional impact.

It is refreshing and encouraging to see students performing their own original translations of Greek plays, and to demonstrate the timeless relevance of Sophocles' sharp and harrowing works is definitely a worthwhile pursuit. This version of Antigone is thought-provoking and well worth seeing. However, the power of art lies in its ability to move the soul, imprinting a lasting impression, and 'Tantalus Productions' would do well to remember this.

Would that George Bush's hubris had come back to haunt him today, as prophesied by prophets ultimately less wise than Tiresias.