Publisher's Synopsis
Two brothers lie dead at the gates of the ancient city of Thebes, each killed by the other in the final battle of a bloody civil war. King Creon decrees that one brother, Eteocles, defender of Thebes, is to be given a hero's burial. The other brother, Polyneices, leader of the rebel forces, is to be left unburied where he fell outside the city gates. Anyone who violates Creon's decree will be stoned to death.
Antigone, sister of the fallen brothers, believes that Creon's decree is a dishonor to Polyneices and his family and an offense to the gods. Antigone decides to defy Creon's decree and bury Polyneices, no matter the consequences.
This one act, modern language version of Sophocles' timeless drama is adapted specifically for middle school and high school students. It offers strong, challenging roles for young actors, and the modern language of the play makes it highly accessible and engaging for actors and audience alike.
This adaptation retains the original characters and overall plot of the play, and conveys the sense of ancient Greek philosophy, myths, and legends on which the play is based. The play explores themes of family, loyalty, duty, conscience, and the conflict between the power of the state and the power of the human spirit which are still relevant today.
