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Alexander Zeldin's "The Other Place, After Antigone" at Théâtre de la Ville, Paris: A Misguided Reimagining

opinion-review · 2026-09-21

At the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, British director Alexander Zeldin presents "The Other Place, After Antigone," a reworking of Sophocles' ancient tragedy. The production, however, falls short of the sharpness that has defined Zeldin's previous work. According to the review, his shift to a more classical register results in a narrative that rings false throughout, with every character reduced to a cliché. The critic notes that Zeldin, who had accustomed audiences to highly incisive performances, loses his edge in this endeavor. The play, which recycles the Sophoclean tragedy, fails to deliver the acuity expected from the creator. The review, published on September 24, 2026, in Le Monde, highlights the disconnect between Zeldin's established reputation and this latest offering. The production is staged at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, a prominent venue for contemporary performance. The review's title emphasizes the poor recycling of Sophocles' tragedy, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the adaptation. The critique points to a lack of authenticity in the storytelling and characterization, marking a departure from Zeldin's usual standard. The article, written by an unnamed critic for Le Monde, serves as a cautionary note on the challenges of transitioning from contemporary devised work to classical reinterpretation. No further details about the production's run dates, cast, or creative team are provided in the source material.

Key facts

  • Alexander Zeldin's production "The Other Place, After Antigone" is staged at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris.
  • The play is a reworking of Sophocles' tragedy Antigone.
  • The review was published in Le Monde on September 24, 2026.
  • The critic states that Zeldin's shift to a classical register causes him to lose his sharpness.
  • The narrative is described as ringing false from beginning to end.
  • Every character in the production is deemed a cliché.
  • Zeldin is a British creator known for highly incisive performances.
  • The review's headline criticizes the poor recycling of Sophocles' tragedy.

Entities

Artists

  • Alexander Zeldin
  • Sophocles
  • Nick Fletcher
  • Ella Bruccoleri
  • Imogen Elliott
  • Alicia Charles
  • Jerry Killick
  • Tylan Grant
  • Hélène Kuttner
  • Martin Argyroglo
  • Antigone
  • Ismène
  • Créon

Institutions

  • Théâtre de la Ville
  • Le Monde
  • Festival d'Automne
  • A Zeldin Company
  • Artistikrezo

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources