Introducing Antigone A Greek Tragedy by Sophocles Greek

Introducing: Antigone A Greek Tragedy by Sophocles

Greek Theater came out of festivals that were given to honor the Greek God Dionysus The Dionysiac ceremonies were simple at the beginning. Little by little they became more complex and were accompanied by flute, and drums.

The God: Dionysus • God of Fertility and Wine • Some Athenians worshiped him. They were the cult of Dionysus. – Drank wine – Ate raw flesh

Greek Theater came out of festivals that were given to honor the Greek God Dionysus Developed over several hundred years Eventually, it evolved into modern theater (over thousands of years). Sophocles introduced a number of changes to theater.

Sophocles

Chorus • The chorus was considered to be the mouthpiece of society (in its humble form) and morality and suffered along with the heroes. • After Sophocles, the chorus had 15 members who stood in a circle.

Architecture of Ancient Greek Theater • Greek theatre buildings were called a theatron ('seeing place') • The theatres were large, open-air structures constructed on the slopes of hills.

The centerpiece of theatre was the orchestra, or "dancing place", a large circular or rectangular area. Site of the choral performances, the religious rites, and, possibly, the acting. An altar was located in the middle of the orchestra; in Athens, the altar was dedicated to Dionysus.

SKENE-Behind the orchestra used as a "backstage" area where actors could change their costumes and mask, Sophocles first started painting scenery to the façade of the skene.

The Stage

Paraskenia

The Theaters l Theater of Dionysos Athens l Main theater for tragedy l 4 th century remains l c. 20, 000 seats l Located on side of Acropolis l

The Theaters l Theater of Epidauros The best-preserved l Largest surviving theater l Located near Argos in the Peloponnesus l Sanctuary of Aesclepius l Still in use today l

Theater of Epidauros

Greek Masks

Ancient Greek Masks • The use of masks in ancient greek theater draw their origin from the ancient dionysiac cult. • The members of the chorus wore masks, usually similar to each other but completely different from the leading actors • Because the number of actors varied from one to three, they had to put on different masks, in order to play more roles. • The actors were all men. The mask was therefore necessary to let them play the female roles.

Antigone • a tragedy written in 442 BC by Sophocles • Chronologically, the third of the three Theban plays but was written first. – – – Oedipus the King Oedipus at Colonus Antigone

Cast of Characters l l l l Antigone Creon Ismene Eurydice Haemon Teiresias Polynices/Eteocles

Previously, on Oedipus Rex… • After Oedipus is exiled, he leaves the ruling rights of Thebes to his two sons, Eteocles and Polynices who must take turns to rule Thebes. • Eteocles rules first …

Previously, on Oedipus Rex… • . . . But the two becomes enemies after Eteocles refuses to give up the throne. Polynices makes a deal with a mutual enemy to regain the throne, but is found out and is exiled. • Polynices goes to war with Thebes (his brother), and during the war the brothers duel…

Previously, on Oedipus Rex… • …And at the beginning of Antigone, both brothers are dead, apparently slain by the other's hand.

• The current ruler, Creon, has made a decree: Since Polynices fought against Thebes, he shall not be buried. Meanwhile, Eteocles is to be buried with full military honors.

• Antigone, the sister of the dead brothers, believes this proclamation to be against the gods' orders. • She decides to bury Polynices herself and tells her sister Ismene is afraid and refuses to take part in the burial, but agrees that it is the right thing to do. . .

• The play is about Antigone’s decision and the sacrifice that it costs her to stand up for what she believes is right.

Themes Sins of the father are the sins of the child. l Loyalty is costly. l Religious and political duties often conflict. l Conformity is easier than individuality. l Fate and free will affect each other. l Women are often disrespected by men in power. l The individual is more important than the State. l The conscience should rule over the law. l With conscience comes responsibility. l

Conscience and Responsibility l What are Antigone’s responsibilities? l What are her options? l What is the price she must pay for her choice?

Why study Antigone? • Ancient Greek Drama is the basis for all modern drama and film. • The story gives many important clues to the Ancient Greek culture and their ideals. • Tragedies still contain the basic elements with which they originated. • The play offers insight about what it means to be human.

Antigone must make a choice about what she believes is important. What do you believe is important, above all else? Why do you believe this? What experiences have led you to this belief?