`Antigone' event at Schuler celebrates publication

When Grand Valley State University Professor of Classics Diane Rayor was asked to work on this new translation of “Antigone,” for Cambridge University Press, it was to be specifically written for performance. To stage test her translation prior to publication, Rayor team-taught a Classical Theatre Workshop with Karen Libman, professor of theatre in the School of Communications. The final version benefited from actual rehearsals and performances, including many suggestions by the student actors.

In celebration of the book’s publication in April, local actors will give a staged reading of the play on Thursday, July 7, from 7-9 p.m. at Schuler Books and Music, 3165 Alpine Avenue NW, in Walker. The presentation will include a question and answer session and book signing with Rayor and Libman.

“‘Antigone’” is one of the most-taught plays in high school and college curricula,” said Rayor, who has been recognized internationally for her literary translations and her four previous books, including Sappho’s Lyre and The Homeric Hymns. She notes that Libman and each participating student were credited for their input in the publication of Sophocles' Antigone: A New Translation.