Antigone

RADS present Jean Anouilh's play Antigone - a tragedy inspired by Greek mythology and the play of the same name by Sophocles from the fifth century B.C. The play was first published in 1943, during the period when the Nazis occupied France. The character of Antigone took on the role of the French Resistance and Creon took on the role of the Vichy Government, symbolising the power struggle present in France at the time - the parallels to the French Resistance and the Nazi occupation are clear. In an allegorical way, the play is openly critical about collaboration with the Nazis.

Just as in the myth and original play, the action follows the battle for Thebes in which both of Antigone's brothers have been killed. Creon, now king, has decreed that while Antigone's brother Eteocles should be given the usual respectful burial, Polynices must be left as carrion for scavengers. Antigone chooses to attempt to bury Polynices, and is brought before Creon as a prisoner. Creon attempts to overlook the offence, perhaps because Antigone is engaged to his son Haemon, but Antigone refuses to be denied the responsibility for her actions.