Antigone – Tron Theatre, Glasgow [Theatre review]

I ask you this question: if your brother died in a tragic war, what would you do? That is where our dilemma starts in this retelling of Antigone at the Tron.

Lulu Raczka’s messy, modern-day retelling of Sophocles’ classic brings this timeless story of a girl standing up for what she believes kicking and screaming into the 21st century. 

Having recently fallen in love with Greek myths and the moral questions I’ve found they bring to the subject of justice, I decided to go and see Antigone at the Tron. 

As I arrived, I found myself drawn to the yellow floral patterns on the wall and white decor that floods the stage. I am at someone’s house, watching two young women pretend to go out clubbing; something they yearn for.

However, during a conflicted war caused by their brothers, Antigone and Ismene find themselves spending their time singing karaoke and dancing to music at home. Alone and isolated.

Antigone, a rebel, wants to venture outside. Ismene, the younger and more perhaps level-headed sibling follows the rules and structure. We find out both their brothers have returned from the war, dead. 

Eilidh Loan as Antigone commands us; she fights back, questions and pushes for moral rights versus legal obligations of what to do with her brother’s corpse. Eilidh’s performance at points has me in tears, resonating with the pain felt through grief. 

Holly Howden Gilchrist manages to contain us and build an intimate connection with the sister. Holly’s closing monologue takes us through many stages of grief and trauma, and I find myself aching for Ismene. The monologue does end abruptly, though – I felt it would have benefited from a pause or beat to allow our audience to fully digest.

Both actors are stars in storytelling. Finn Den Hertog’s direction is strong, and I particularly enjoyed the integration of flowers, creating a beautiful visual of life and death. Leaving the production, I had myself questioning if I could challenge the status quo – for what I believe in, no matter the consequence. My answer, like Antigone’s, was yes. Yes, I could. 

Antigone at Tron Theatre, Glasgow – 6th till 10th October 2026