In Search of Greek Theatre #1: Antigone (2012) | National Theatre

Step into the National Theatre's Archive and discover the stories behind Polly Findlay's production of Antigone, adapted by Don Taylor and starring Christopher Eccleston and Jodie Whittaker.
In this virtual visit to the Archive, follow our exploration and discovery of how the work of ancient Greek dramatists like Sophocles can be communicated effectively through performance. We will see how items from the Archive can help explore alternative stagings and different interpretations of the play.
This video explains some of the conventions of Greek tragedy such the open-air set, the chorus, and costume and delves into the practicalities of staging an ancient Greek play in a modern theatre building. We also discuss the concept of ensemble in modern theatre practice, and in this production.
As an example of seminal world literature, Sophocles' Antigone has been adapted and performed on almost every continent. Going behind the scenes of the productions lets us ask fresh questions about why these plays and their myths are still relevant today. Looking at these texts in performance also allows us to unlock new interpretations of classic literature.
Shortcuts:
Set Design - 2:06
Costume - 5:20
Make-up, props, and special effects - 7:32
Ensemble - 12:57
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For background detail on Greek theatre productions at the National theatre, see our online exhibit: artsandculture...
The film features Dr Lucy Jackson, Assistant Professor in ancient Greek literature at Durham University and Erin Lee, Head of Archive at the National Theatre, London.
The film was funded by Durham University and made by the National Theatre.
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Antigone and Medea are streaming to educational institutions to watch on the National Theatre Collection, which is available worldwide and free to UK state schools: www.nationalth...
The two plays are also streaming worldwide to everyone on National Theatre at Home: ntathome.com/
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[@raymbowdash]

This is priceless. I really hope this type of series will become more and more popular, because having access to the work behind those productions is not only inspiring, but also feeds one's analytic skills when it comes to his own future projects!

[@NationalTheatre]

This is wonderful to hear. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!

[@RobMathMiller]

I love Greek drama and find it fascinating how artists interpret it in a modern light. How the chorus in this play exemplifies “the banality of evil” was a brilliant choice! Thanks for sharing.

[@msaditu]

Fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this. I've always wanted to know more about the behind the scene decisions made in a theatre production.

[@NationalTheatre]

Thanks so much for watching :)

[@phoebeel]

regarding the swapping of the wedding dress: surely you could just ask the people involved? I know that Jodie Whittaker is still alive, for one haha

[@mariatiraski2]

Thank you deeply and many congratulations ! A Production so well thought and designed, a very detailed approach however given in a contemporary setting. The attentive effort to convey the ancient theatre with the ethos, the thought, the emotions. Please continue your wonderful work. All good wishes Maria-Nefeli - (Greece)