Wesley Student Theatre Group, on tour from Australia, perform “Antigone” for Bloxham School GCSE and A-level Drama Students
The Bloxham School Drama Department were delighted to welcome Wesley Student Theatre, from Wesley College, Australia, to perform the powerful “Antigone” to GCSE and A-level drama students.
In the play, Polyneices and Eteocles, two brothers leading opposite sides in Thebes’ civil war, have both been killed in battle. Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, has declared that Eteocles will be honoured and Polyneices disgraced. The rebel brother’s body will not be sanctified by holy rites and will lie unburdened to become the food of carrion animals. ‘Antigone and Ismene are the sisters of the dead brothers, and they are now the last children of the ill-fated Oedipus. In the opening of the play, Antigone wants to bury Polneices’ body, in defiance of Creon’s edict. Ismene refuses to help her, fearing the death penalty, but she is unable to dissuade Antigone. Creon enters, along with the Chorus of Theban Elders. He demands their support in the days to come, and in particular, he wants them to back his edict regarding the disposal of Polyneices body.
The play, which explores the theme of “the irrationality of the human spirit, arrogance and pride,” has provided inspiration for the students’ own GCSE and A-level productions and is a great start to the new school year for our vibrant Drama Department.