Overview
Synopsis
Ancient Thebes survived a civil war, but at a terrible cost. The sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polyneices, fought each other for the throne, but ultimately killed each other. Their uncle, Creon, has declared himself king, and ordered that the body of Polyneices--whom he sees as a traitor to Thebes--be left unburied outside the city walls. This punishment will ensure his spirit will never be at rest in the afterlife. And anyone who defies Creon’s orders will be put to death.
Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, is outraged at the cruelty of Creon’s decree, and believes it is an insult not only to Polyneices, but to the gods as well. She resolves to bury her brother, even if it means her own death. Refusing help from anyone, Antigone stands alone against injustice and buries her brother. After she is caught, Creon is faced with a moral dilemma: Does he follow through on his decree and put his own niece to death? Or does he relent and undermine his own authority as king?
Sophocles’ Antigone dramatizes the moral struggles and civil disobedience following war. Originally performed in Ancient Athens, during a time of rising national pride, Antigone exposes the dangers of an absolute ruler clouded by his own hubris, and praises the devotion of one woman to justice for her family.
Show Information
Context
Antigone is considered one of the Theban plays written by Sophocles, composed around 441 BCE. Originally, Antigone was part of a trilogy of plays, although the other two plays have been lost.
The story of Antigone and her familial background would have been well-known to the ancient Greek audience. She is one of four children of Oedipus and Jocasta; her brothers Eteocles and Polyneices engaged in a civil war over who would rule Thebes following Oedipus' blinding, exile, and death. The
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Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Silent |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.
A group of performers who comment on the action, originating in Ancient Greek theatre.
A sudden realization or insight experienced by a character, often marking a turning point.
A group in Ancient Greek theatre that commented on the action, represented the public, and provided narrative insight.
A tragic flaw leading to the downfall of a hero in classical tragedy. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Hubris is excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence that leads a character to defy moral or divine law. In classical tragedy, hubris often causes the downfall of rulers or heroes who overestimate their own power. It serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring limits set by the gods, society, or fate.
A body of traditional stories involving gods, heroes, and creation myths. Mythology provides inspiration for characters and narratives in global theatre traditions.
A neoclassical principle dictating unity of time, place, and action, influencing dramatic structure in theatre history.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes
A protagonist whose downfall results from a fatal flaw, central to classical and modern tragedy.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress