ANTIGONE
Director’s Notes
Antigone by Sophocles is an absolutely fascinating play because it contains so many relevant themes and symbols for a modern audience. In addition, Don Taylor’s translation of this play makes Antigone readily understandable.
Sophocles shined a light on sexism, specifically the gender inequality that impacts women. This is remarkable for a 2500-year old play! The pride and arrogance of Creon, the King of Thebes, is also fully explored by Sophocles, and reminds us through a variety of characters that pride and arrogance can infect anyone, thus making Creon a symbol for all of humankind. The political intrigue of the play will also feel very familiar to a modern viewer.
Speaking of symbols, Sophocles returns to his favorite one: Sight versus blindness. One often steps into mistakes due to a lack of foresight or because of an inability to truly see what is coming. Creon sees but is blind to the consequences of his actions, rarely blinking as he progresses headlong to his painful end.
But my favorite theme in this play is the old dilemma of the “letter of the law” versus the “spirit of the law.” Creon has attached himself to the laws created by the human mind, whereas Antigone stands up for what are considered natural laws, laws that transcend the laws of people because these laws contain eternal truths that are fundamental to achieving a quality of life.
Regardless of your reason for viewing this play, I hope that you enjoy the many profound statements made by a variety of characters in this work. And, all of these statements are explored through the action of this short 98-minute feature film.
My wish is for you is to please enjoy the talents of our many hard-working students, staff and faculty that have made our department’s first feature length film a reality. Production is an amazing team activity, and I have been most grateful for this team throughout the process of making Antigone a reality. Enjoy!
Kevin Dressler