Antigone – Modern Day Thematic Interpretation
With a group of 2-3, you will prepare a modern day version of one of the key scenes from Antigone. The scene
you choose must be linked to one of the following motifs or themes:
i. the ship and the captain
ii. personal duty vs. civic responsibility
iii. vision vs. blindness
iv. certainty vs. compromise
v. age vs. youth
With your group, you must do the following:
a) choose one of the motifs/themes
b) select a scene from Antigone that fits with the motif/theme
c) analyze the meaning of the scene in Antigone and interpret what it says related to the motif or theme
d) create a modern day version of the scene using modern day language in a modern setting
e) write a script including stage directions
f) design masks and/or find props to enhance your play (at least 5 total)
g) write an introduction or conclusion “speech” (you choose which one) to explain the theme or motif and
how your play connects to it
Requirements
1. Write a script. The script must include the following:
a. Each student’s name and the role(s) they play.
b. The line numbers of the text upon which your play is based.
c. The play itself (of course).
d. Stage directions.
e. This script must be typed.
2. Masks and/or Props
a. You must design masks and/or find or make props.
b. You must have at least 5 in total. You are encouraged to have more than the minimum of 5.
3. An introduction or conclusion “speech” in which you explain the motif or theme upon which your play
is based by referring to the Antigone text itself—include lines numbers of reference. You should
somehow explain how your modern day interpretation connects to the motif or theme.
a. You choose whether to have an introduction or conclusion or both.
b. You choose the manner in which you present this aspect of your presentation. It can be, but does
not have to be a standard “speech”—be creative!
You will be graded on a rubric that scores you in the categories listed below:
1. Creativity—imagination and ingenuity in intro/conclusion, mask/props, and play itself.
2. Connection to motif or theme—major element of grade! Prioritize this!
3. Presentation of play—well practiced, well designed, well thought out, and well presented. It should take
at least 3 ½ minutes and less than 10 minutes when performed.
4. Effort—this is a major grade. Every aspect of this project should indicative of serious effort resulting in
work of the highest quality. This includes meeting all requirements as outlined above!
On the day of the performance, you must have a copy of the script for each person in your group and an extra
copy for Mr. Bernhart. There will be a 25 point penalty if you do not have enough copies. You must print them
before arriving to class! Before you present, you must also have one rubric prepared with the names of the
people in your group and class period.