Learning Guide: ANTIGONE

Check out these resources for academics, enthusiasts, and educators to support your learning and viewing of Antigone.

Background

Synopsis and Characters: Read a brief synopsis of Antigone and review the cast of characters in Sophocles’s classic text.
Previously, in Thebes…: Brush up on the action leading up to Antigone with these videos summarizing Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus, plus video previews of the plot of Antigone.
Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design: Explore the history behind Antigone, its dramaturgy, and the design of Court Theatre’s production.

Pre-Show Vocabulary Activity: Dive into the world of literary allusions in Antigone with students before they choose a new-to-them Greek reference to explore.
Glossary of the Greeks: Support your understanding of the words and world of Antigone with this thorough glossary, including key academic vocabulary and essential allusions.
Pre-Show Ritual Activity: This activity for learners of all ages invites learning, reflection, and creativity around ritual-making.
Antigone Quotes Activity: Use juicy quotes from the text as a jumping-off point for discussion and writing, before or after your viewing of the play.
Poetry Activity: Experiment with blackout, or redacted, poetry using choral odes from Antigone and the work of contemporary Black women poets from Chicago as source texts.
Post-Show Discussion Activity: After your viewing of Antigone, reflect on the production with companions, classmates, or by yourself.
Post-Show Classroom Activity: Map the dramas and relationships of Antigone’s family onto the modern age with this creative exploration activity.
Additional Listening, Learning, and Viewing: Check out this curated list of videos, podcasts, and playlists to dig deeper into Antigone, Thebes, and the world of Court’s production.

In Conversation: Aeriel Williams, Ariana Burks, and Cheryl Lynn Bruce: Actors Aeriel Williams, Ariana Burks, and Cheryl Lynn Bruce discuss the importance of Antigone and the legacy of Court’s Oedipus Trilogy.
A Portrait of Love and Defiance: Artist and UChicago alumna Savannah E. Bowman discusses “the sister’s”, the show art for Antigone.
No Progress Without Struggle: Director of Engagement Kamilah Rashied assesses the role of power in The Lion in Winter, Antigone, and this season’s Engagement programming.
Up Next: Antigone: Associate Artistic Director Gabrielle Randle-Bent discusses her upcoming production of Antigone and how the play chooses its own moment.