Colchester’s Mercury Theatre will soon be debuting the UK première of Antigone by Merlynn Tong (after Sophocles), running from 1-16 October 2021. We spoke to Wendy Kweh who plays Creon in the piece about taking on the traditionally male role and the eagerly anticipated production as a whole.

Antigone is a classic play that many will be familiar with. However, this version is a modern retelling. What can audiences expect from this production?

They will definitely see something that feels of the moment.  I think it will connect with a lot of our audience.  But they will see and feel the connection down the ages – Merlynn and Sophocles may never have met, but sometimes it feels like they have. 

You are playing Creon who is typically played by a male performer. How does this gender blind casting alter the dynamic of the piece?

Merlynn wanted to explore the idea of a woman in power within a patriarchal environment. How free we truly feel to be able to carve our mark and perhaps the different choice we might make. 

What do you think it is about Antigone that makes it such a timeless piece of writing?

It is both a political drama and a deeply ingrained family drama.  Both these things are always topical. But together, they are truly combustible.  We will always need to keep looking again at both those areas of life.

Being a British premiere, have you been granted much creative freedom in the rehearsal process to make the role your own?

Every performance is shared – between the author, the adaptor, the director and the actors. It is a collaboration. But yes, it’s brilliant to be part of its first reading here.

To date, you have had an extensive career in both theatre and TV, both with their own challenges. Do you favour one artform over the other?

Theatre feels like the place I can most meet challenges head on and explore the craft whilst connecting with the audience.  But TV has its advantages and enables me to connect with wider audiences.  And 21st century TV really does offer more varied opportunities than ever.  It would be great to have a marriage of the two. So it’s a close run thing.  I guess theatre. But it’s a close run thing.

You performed in Sarah Kane's Crave at Chichester Festival Theatre in the midst of the pandemic. Was this an apprehensive or exciting time for you as a performer? 

There was a tiny bit of apprehension first time out and about since lockdown.  But this soon passed as the whole thing was so professionally put together. It was a very special production in many ways. I wish I had longer with it. 

What theatrical role is at the top of your bucket list to play?

One in which I get to co- star with a cat.  Perhaps I will play Harriet in a stage version of HARRY & TONTO. So long as I get to meet all the potential Tontos...  And take the final one home afterwards. Also maybe a horror film demon...

Do you have any future projects in the pipeline that you are able to speak about?

That would be telling.  Also, no, not yet.  I have only just started this one!

Are there further plans for Antigone post-Colchester run?

Not that I have been told.

How would you encourage audiences to buy a ticket to watch Antigone?

It's a really strong play, short, sharp, engrossing.  Come where you can see and hear us for real. The Mercury is back with a vengeance – it really is.

For more information and to book tickets for the production, please click here.