A Greek tragedy was seen in a classic play ‘Antigone’ here on Friday at Shaheed Bhawan. The play was written by Sophacies in 441 BC. It was directed by Avijit Solanki of Bhopal and was presented by Other Theatre Society for Research and Performing Arts.
While talking to The Pioneer, director of the play Avijit said, “I had read this play earlier and since then it was in my thoughts to stage it. As it is a classic play, I had to keep various do’s and don’ts regarding it.”
The audiences were mesmerised to watch the play as it had all. The heavy Greek costumes, soulful lighting effect and the stage set up added more zeal in the performance of the play. The play was staged in Hindi. Further the addition of ‘puppet style drama’ left the spectators spellbound.
“As the play deals with many political scenarios, we have given a touch of puppet style drama in some portions to show that everyone in the kingdom is not free and hence is a puppet of the king’s hand.”
Story of the play is about a pretty and kind-hearted princess ‘Antigone’, whose fate played games with her. Oedipus, was the King of Thebes. He unknowingly murdered his father and marries his own mother, Queen Jocasta. Oedipus had two daughters and two sons.
After Oedipus died, his two sons Eteocles and Polynices battled for control of the kingdom. Eteocles fought to defend Thebes. Polynices and his men attacked the city. Both brothers died. Creon (Antigone's uncle) became the official ruler of Thebes. Creon buried Eteocles's body with honor. But because the other brother was perceived as a traitor, Polynices's body was left to rot. Antigone decides to defy Creon's laws. She gives her brother a proper funeral.
Creon becomes angry and sentences Antigone to death. Finally scared, Creon rethinks his decisions. He dashes off to release Antigone. But he's too late. Antigone already hanged herself. Haemon Creon’s son and Antigone’s love grieves beside her body and then stabs himself to death. Creon was left in distress and sorrow. The audiences were awestruck by the play. The music given by Deepak Nema added life to mood of the scenes.