1. What was happening when Antigone was created?
The play was written by Sophocles in Athens during the rule of Pericles. Sophocles had a strong involvement in politics and stressed the importance of having a democracy in society. This could have influenced many of the themes for 'Antigone'.
2. Was its creation influenced by any special historic events?
Many people would suggest that Sophocles was inspired to write 'Antigone' after the battle between The Argive Army and The Army Of Thebes, which was later known as 'Seven Against Thebes' as it was written as a play by Aeschylus. This could have influenced him to write the play 'Antigone'.
Notes - Video Clips
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Note taking of the following videos:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAij9r9RvF0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqJxI3SNFlc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hK0y8tN29w
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf9cDKqwhQw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSr6mP-zxUc
Antigone - The Opening Scene
1. What information does Antigone give to Ismene at the beginning of this scene?
Antigone tells Ismene that Creon had chosen to only honour one of their brothers, even though both of them had died in battle together. He had chosen to give a proper burial to Eteocles, as he had fought and protected his city. However, since Polyneices had fought against his own people, he was not to get a burial and was to be disrespected.
2. What has just happened in the sisters' family?
Oedipus left Thebes after finding out he killed his father and married his own mother. When he left, he put his two sons on the throne. Every year, they were meant to swap roles so that the other brother could be King. One year, Eteocles refused to give up his throne when it was Polyneices' turn to be king. Polyneices put together an army and attacked Thebes. In the battle, both brothers were killed.3. What does Antigone plan to do? Why?
Antigone plans to bury her brother, Polyneices, properly so that his soul can be at rest. Burials are a duty that are usually carried out women and before he died, Antigone promised Polyneices that she would bury him. Antigone also believes that leaving the dead unburied can offend the Gods.
4. Does Ismene plan to join her? Why or why not?
Ismene refuses to join Antigone in the secret burial of their brother, Polyneices. She does not want to go against the state and get into trouble. She wants to help Antigone, but she knows that they will not get away with it.
5. What story does the chorus tell us about?
The chorus tells the story of the battle where The Argive army ordered an attack on the 7 gates of Thebes during the night.
The chorus tells the story of the battle where The Argive army ordered an attack on the 7 gates of Thebes during the night.
The Story Of Antigone
A summary of the play can be read at:
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/the-oedipus-trilogy/play-summary/antigone
1. What do you think of this story?
To begin with, the story line is very good as it shows a lot of the power that Creon has over Antigone and the rest of the city. However, I think that it becomes worse as the play ends and it is too exaggerated. I do not believe that so many of the characters should have killed themselves as the story started to become a bit messy. Nonetheless, I still think that the play can be performed in an interesting and exciting way.
2. Why do you think Sophocles wrote this play?
I think that Sophocles wrote this play to put across the message that you shouldn't go against the law or betray those who are close to you. He would also have written 'Antigone' to address any concerns he may have had by bringing up themes such as the limits of free will and the power of the law.
3. Why do you think the Greek audiences might have wanted to see this play?
Greek audiences would have wanted to watch plays of the tragedy genre such as 'Antigone' as it made them reflect on and feel better about their own lives. You also need to use your imagination and think a lot whilst watching plays such as 'Antigone'. Many audiences would have liked this about them. Greeks would have also watched the plays to worship the God Of Theatre, 'Dionysus'.
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/the-oedipus-trilogy/play-summary/antigone
1. What do you think of this story?
To begin with, the story line is very good as it shows a lot of the power that Creon has over Antigone and the rest of the city. However, I think that it becomes worse as the play ends and it is too exaggerated. I do not believe that so many of the characters should have killed themselves as the story started to become a bit messy. Nonetheless, I still think that the play can be performed in an interesting and exciting way.
2. Why do you think Sophocles wrote this play?
I think that Sophocles wrote this play to put across the message that you shouldn't go against the law or betray those who are close to you. He would also have written 'Antigone' to address any concerns he may have had by bringing up themes such as the limits of free will and the power of the law.
3. Why do you think the Greek audiences might have wanted to see this play?
Greek audiences would have wanted to watch plays of the tragedy genre such as 'Antigone' as it made them reflect on and feel better about their own lives. You also need to use your imagination and think a lot whilst watching plays such as 'Antigone'. Many audiences would have liked this about them. Greeks would have also watched the plays to worship the God Of Theatre, 'Dionysus'.
Multimedia In Theatre - Curious Incident
I recently went to watch 'The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time' at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End. It was an outstanding play and exceeded all of my expectations.
The play revolves around a boy named Christopher Boone, who is suggested to have a disability such as Aspergers Syndrome. As he discovers the body of a dog, he attempts to clear his name and find out who actually killed the dog. Along the way, Christopher makes another discovery that is closer to home for him. We see the world through his eyes and his imagination.
Multimedia is incorporated hugely into the play. Sound, lighting, animation, projection and text are just a few of the multimedia elements that are included in the play. The stage is set out in a cube as if we are looking into the characters mind. Flashing lights and loud sounds are used a lot to show how the character is feeling and to show the point of view from someone who has autism. Projections are useful in showing what the character can see in his head. They are also used to show what may be happening on the floor, that the audience in the stalls may not be able to see (for example, when Christopher was marking out where the dog has been killed). A lot of the multimedia used was to show that people with autism process things slower than other people, so when they are in busy places everything is very fast and confusing for them. Multimedia was also used to create a tense atmosphere.When the main character, Christopher was reading a letter that he was not supposed to find, torches were the only sources that lit up the stage. This made the stage very dark and made the scene feel very mysterious. I feel that without all of the multimedia used, the show wouldn't have been as good and would have been very difficult to portray and direct. The multimedia seemed to enhance the show a lot.
The play is remarkable and I recommend going to watch it as soon as you can.
A review from Theatre critics representing 'Time Out Magazine' can be read at:
http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time
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