Exploring The Text

Antigone and Ismene:

1. What did we focus on when exploring this scene?
In the first scene of the play 'Antigone', we focus on the relationship between Ismene and Antigone. Even though they are sisters, they are both incredibly different. For example, one wants to defy the law and the other wants to follow by the rules. We also explored how Sophocles got into the storyline of the play instantly by introducing the situation through the two characters.

2. How did you explore the characters practically?
Alongside Zachary, I was able to explore the character of Antigone through the use of body movement, rather than using an over the top tone of voice to show that I was portraying a female. It was interesting to see how different people interpreted the scene and characters in different ways.
3. What did you discover about the relationship between the sisters?
It was interesting to put ourselves in the mindset of both the characters, so that we could see their perspectives of the situation. We were able to show the characters morals through their emotions. We discovered that the sisters were unlike each other as they both had very different morals and values. This was the beginning of how the story panned out.
4. How did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?
This scene linked to what we had previously learnt about the historical context of the play as many Greeks had different beliefs on what was right and wrong. Women had majorly different opinions to many of the males in Greece. This is shown within the disagreement between Ismene and Antigone. The scene also demonstrates how certain people chose to go against the law and do what was forbidden due to what they believed in.

Antigone and Creon:

1. What did we focus on when exploring this scene?
When exploring the scene between Antigone and Creon, it became extremely clear that Creon had a lot of power and authority over Antigone. I also came to a realisation that Creon was a strong character who refused to give in to others, even those closest to him. You would have thought that Creon would forgive Antigone as she was his future daughter-in-law. However, in this scene, he doesn't even sympathise with Antigone, even though both of her brothers had been killed.
2. How did you explore the characters practically?
With Anya, we explored the characters Antigone and Creon. In our short performance, I portrayed Creon. My aim was to show Creon as a strong and powerful character. Therefore, I used a good posture with my chest pushed out and looked upwards to show that I didn't pity or care for those lower than me. I also used an extremely bold tone of voice to show that I was of a higher status and in charge.
3. What did you discover about the relationship between the characters?
Creon was the future father-in-law of Antigone, but it is clear that they didn't get on due to the disagreements that they had. Both of their morals and beliefs were completely different. When Antigone defied Creon's law, he began to look down on her. Creon wouldn't have had much respect for Antigone before this anyway as she was a woman of a lower class than him. Antigone was frustrated and angry at Creon as she wanted to do what she believed was right and respect the Gods.
4. How did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?
This scene supported the information that we discovered through looking at the historical context of the play. It showed that society in Greece was dominated by men during the 4th/5th Century as they had power over women. From this, we can tell that Greek plays were a reflection of Greek life during the 4th Century.