Steampunk sparks : Antigone’s rebel heartbeat revived by 11-year-olds

Abstract

This article describes and reflects upon a theatre practitioner/educator's process in collaborating with a group of 11-year-olds to develop a production of Sophocles' Antigone for the Youth Theatre Festival, Trikki Trakki, organised by Teatru Malta in March 2022. Antigone is a complex tragedy that poses unique challenges when working with 11-year-olds. This paper explores the diverse devising processes, conventions, and approaches employed in an age-appropriate manner to create a production that remains relevant and engaging all the while encouraging ethical dialogues among 11-year-olds. This process assists the young actors in acquiring valuable skills and a deeper comprehension of intricate moral dilemmas as they prepare for the production.

The author documents the theatre practitioner’s collaborative work on conceptualizing Antigone in a steampunk style with the scriptwriter, as well as the designer responsible for costumes and props. The steampunk-themed props and costumes were crafted from recycled materials, aligning with the festival's philosophy. Theatre is fundamentally a collaborative effort with other professionals throughout the rehearsal process. All of this journey unfolded amidst the backdrop of Covid-19 restrictions, including social distancing and the consistent use of Anti-Viral Protection Masks, which persisted until the week of the production.