Greed, broken family ties and inner struggles are only some of what can be seen in “Antigone” at the Campus Theatre this weekend and June 4-6.

The theater department is presenting the play for $10; it is directed by Caryn Desai, who has been working with students at EC for 10 years on a part-time basis.

“I have been working at the International City Theatre in Long Beach,” Desai said. “Directing is my specialty, although I began as a performer at UC Irvine.”

With a mixed cast which consists of experienced and new actors, Desai said she was more than willing to direct the play.

“The theater department wanted to organize a Greek play,” Desai said. “I like Greek plays, so I was thrilled to work on it.”

For liberal studies major Joni Efflandt, portraying her character was unlike anything she had done before.

“I’ve done classical theater before but never Greek,” Efflandt said. “This role was very different from what I’ve done. The language used is grander. We don’t speak like that anymore; it was much more dramatic.”

Stuggles of man discussed

“Antigone” deals with the struggle people sometimes face when laws of man clash with laws of God.

In the play, there are two brothers who are heirs to the throne. When one of the brothers becomes king, the other decides to overthrow his brother to take over the throne.

At the end, both brothers die and their uncle becomes king. His first order as king is to reject the holy burial of the brother who rebelled against the state.

Antigone, the sister of the deceased brothers, is faced with the dilemma of disobeying the king or giving her brother the holy burial she believes he deserves.

“Even though the play was written so long ago, it relates to society today,” Desai said. “Around the world we have so many different systems and beliefs, it’s hard to come to terms. Who is right?”

The conflict between both brothers is reflected in today’s world with so many conflicts among different nations, Desai said.

“These are issues that were written back then that are still around today,” Desai said. “The real question is, can society ever live in a peaceful world?”

‘Antigone’ makes people think

Plays in Greek times were prestigious and intended to make people think.

“These plays were not written only to entertain,” Desai said, “they were made so people could think.”

Sophocles, the writer of the play, was regarded as one of the best poets and dramatists of his time.

“The author was a well-respected man in his time,” Desai said.

With a somewhat experienced cast, Desai set out to capture the audience’s attention throughout the play.

“This play is only one hour and fifteen minutes long,” Desai said, “so I am working with the chorus and with lots of movement to introduce the characters and to explain what is going on.”

Desai uses the chorus to introduce movement to intrigue and to better explain the play.

“Movement is a way to keep the audience engaged,” Desai said. “It will make the play easier to understand.”

Desai and her cast begin with a display of action in the opening scene where the two brothers appear fighting each other.

“We want to communicate the conflict involved in making choices,” Desai said.

“It’s about how people don’t bend and become stubborn and will not admit they are wrong.”

For Desai, theater is more than just acting or portraying a character; it’s about developing as a person and always improving.

Research on characters needed

“Growing as a director, I realized that I do not need to know everything,” Desai said.

“However, I do encourage all my actors to do research on every role they take,” she said.

The ability to portray a character in a passionate way is attained not only through experience but also through hard work and commitment.

“You can’t properly portray a character if you don’t research the person’s ideas and passions,” Desai said. “Our job is to search for the truth or else the audience is not drawn in.”

“It’s like when someone sings a song from the heart,” Desai said. “Passion makes all the difference.”

Desai said she looks for new talent at every audition by carefully observing each actor to see if she finds that special quality.

“We have actors with all levels of experience,” Desai said. “If I think that I can get a role out of a person, I will cast them. With this cast, there have been times I get chills because of their conviction.”

All the actors are EC students who answered the casting call fliers posted throughout the campus.

“Caryn really stretches our ability as actors,” Efflandt said. “Every time I work with her, I feel that I have learned something new.”

Theater brings people together

“Training is forever,” Desai said. “You are always finding better ways to express yourself.”

With the human emotion involved with the play, Desai said she is further convinced that theater is a way for humans to bond.

“Theater is a common form of human communication,” Desai said. “Unfortunately, with technology we are becoming more isolated from each other. This play speaks directly to today’s society.”

For the actor, Desai is convinced that there is more for them to obtain through personal satisfaction than through money or fame.

“As an art form, theater is more demanding but also the most rewarding,” Desai said. “You must always maintain character and be believable.”

Theater production is rewarding

“I have always aspired to be a better actress,” Efflandt said.

The time and energy actors put into rehearsals and the main performance are challenging both physically and emotionally.

“In theater, there are no second chances,” Desai said. “There is no editing like in film or television.”

But for Desai, it is more rewarding to do theater than anything else.

“If you can go through life doing something you enjoy, then what better reward can there possibly be?”

More information on tickets for the performance may be obtained at 1 (800) 832-ARTS or charge by phone at (310) 329-5345.