Alexander Zeldin’s ‘The Other Place’ Revisits Greek Tragedy with Modern Sensibility

Alexander Zeldin’s new play “The Other Place” is currently running at the Lyttelton Theatre in London until November 9, 2024. The production offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the ancient Greek tragedy “Antigone,” and it has drawn critical praise for its powerful performances and thematic depth. Zeldin’s adaptation poses the question of why Sophocles’ classic tale, first written over 2,500 years ago, continues to resonate universally.

In “The Other Place,” Zeldin reimagines the narrative by focusing on themes of grief and familial conflict. The story revolves around Chris, portrayed by Tobias Menzies, who is the uncle to two sisters, Annie and Issy. Chris wishes to put the past to rest by burying the ashes of his brother, who took his own life in the house Chris now shares with his new wife Erica and her son Leni. Annie, played by Emma D’Arcy, opposes his plan, insisting that the ashes and the memories they hold remain where they are to preserve the family’s history and identity. This tension between characters reflects the broader theme of coping with loss, a psychological struggle that underpins the drama.

The tension in the play is further elevated by the performances of the cast. D’Arcy and Menzies deliver compelling portrayals of characters caught between the pull of history and the push towards new beginnings. Supporting roles include Alison Oliver as Issy, who adds layers of complexity with her desire to please amidst family discord, and Nina Sosanya as Erica, Chris’s wife, whose attempts at placidity turn to despair. The performance offers moments of comic relief, such as Jerry Killick’s portrayal of the neighbor Terry, who provides a playful echo of the traditional Greek chorus.

Zeldin is renowned for his naturalistic style, which is evident in the meticulously crafted dialogue and the intensity of the performances. The play’s script evolved through rehearsal improvisations, adding an element of unpredictability and visceral immediacy to the performance. Designed by Rosanna Vize, the set is characterized by an extensive window, described by Annie as “like an aquarium,” enhancing the space’s simultaneous sense of reality and surrealism. The final pieces to this atmospheric puzzle are the lighting design by James Farncombe and a score by Yannis Philippakis, both of which contribute to the play’s haunting other-worldliness.

“The Other Place” stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ways in which classical themes can be reinterpreted to reflect contemporary issues. It resonates with Zeldin’s previous work, including his acclaimed “Inequalities Trilogy,” continuing his exploration of themes of family, loss, and the human condition.