Sophocles’ classic tragedy relocates to pre-conquest Tenochtitlan for the 20th annual Outdoor Classical Theater production this fall.
By Carlos Reyes
Pre-Columbian Mexico will serve as the backdrop for fifth-century B.C. Greek drama this fall as the Getty Villa Museum and the Latino Theater Company join forces to present “Antigone: In the Language of Kings.”
The production marks the 20th anniversary of the Getty Villa’s Outdoor Classical Theater series. Previews run Sept. 3–5, with regular performances scheduled Thursdays through Saturdays, Sept. 10 to Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.
Adapted by Evelina Fernández and directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, this reimagining transposes Sophocles’ tragedy of royal authority and divine law to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The performance weaves pre-Hispanic poetry, indigenous music, and Aztec mythology directly into the classical narrative.
“Antigone is a timeless story of resistance, conscience and the struggle for justice,” said Jose Luis Valenzuela, artistic director of Latino Theater Company. “Set in pre-conquest Mesoamerica, Evelina’s adaptation draws upon the rich Nahuatl language and mythology to explore universal themes of faith, power and moral duty. We are honored to bring this powerful reimagining to the Getty Villa’s Outdoor Theater stage.”
The creative team includes composer Christopher Garcia, choreographer Urbanie Lucero, set designer François-Pierre Couture, costume designer Maria Catarina Copelli, lighting designer Xinyuan Li, sound designer John Zalewski, and projection designer Yee Eun Nam.
“We want to share the beauty of ancient Aztec literature, culture and rituals that most modern audiences are not familiar with,” added Evelina Fernández, associate artistic director of Latino Theater Company. “These traditions carry a profound poetry and wisdom that still speak to the human experience across centuries.”
The Latino Theater Company previously collaborated with the Getty Villa on “Villa Theater Lab” workshop productions, including “Letters from the Black Sea” (2022), “La Olla” (2015), and “Liz Estrada in the City of Angels” (2006).
Dates: Sept. 10–Oct. 3 (Previews: Sept. 3–5). Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Previews $30; Thursdays $45 ($40 for students/seniors); Fridays $50; Saturdays $60.
Accessibility: An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24.
Dining: Pre-show food, specialty cocktails, and a themed pre-conquest prix fixe dinner (Fridays and Saturdays, reservation required) will be offered. Menus are available here.
Age Guidance: Recommended for audiences ages 13 and older.
Tickets are available online at getty.edu or by phone at (310) 440-7300.
