Exploring The Text

Antigone and Ismene 

• What did we focus on when exploring this scene?

While exploring this scene we looked at how Antigone both had reacted to the news sent by King Creon and how they would act towards that news.                                                                                                        

• How did you explore the characters practically?
   We looked at part of the script where Antigone shares with Ismene that she is going to bury Polyneices against the lore of Creon. Therefore we decided to think about how Ismene, who would not go against the King's word, would react and put that into a character's physicality and facial expression. On the other hand, Antigone is much more of the rebellious type, therefore I think she would have a stronger body stance and a more intense facial expression.
• What did you discover about the relationship between the sisters?
  I discovered that even though the two sisters have a lot of love for each other, they are two very different people. Also, even though they both believe in the same things, Antigone is much more willing to act towards her beliefs than Ismene as Ismene will abide to the rules like any other citizen of Thebes.
• How did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?

Antigone and Creon

• What did we focus on when exploring this scene?

We focused on how Creon and Antigone interacted, taking into consideration factors such as: hierarchy, sexism and the expected values of the time. The main focus was status however, and how to put status into our physicality and tone of voice.

• How did you explore the characters practically? 

Alex and I were partners for this exercise and I played Creon and she played Antigone. To me, the most powerful line of the scene was when Creon says "No woman will tell me what to do." I decided to put a sort of emphasis on the word "woman" as if I had a bad taste in my mouth. I think this really helps portray the patriarchal hierarchy of the time

• What did you discover about the relationship between the characters? 

I discovered that Creon and Antigone's relationship (even though they are family to each other) is very dependent on hierarchy and Creon depends on his power over women to win the ongoing argument between him and his niece. 

• How did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?

This scene links with historical context because during this time period, women were scene as inferior beings and were restricted on what they could and could not do. Women were especially oppressed in the theatre world as most of the time, women were not allowed to watch the theatre let alone take part in the plays put on.