Theban Plays: Antigone

This adaptation of Sophocles' classic tragedy 'Antigone' follows the defiant princess Antigone as she chooses to bury her brother Polynices against the decree of her uncle, King Creon. Her unwavering commitment to divine law and familial duty sets her on a collision course with Creon's rigid, human-made laws, leading to a tragic chain of events that impacts the entire royal family and the city of Thebes.

This BBC television adaptation of Sophocles' 'Antigone' is highly regarded for its faithful and powerful rendition of the classic Greek tragedy. It effectively captures the play's thematic weight and emotional intensity, earning praise for its performances and scholarly approach. While not a mainstream film release, it is considered a significant and well-executed television drama within its genre.

• Praised for its strong adherence to the source material.
• Jocelyn Herbert's portrayal of Antigone is noted for its strength and conviction.
• The production effectively conveys the moral and philosophical conflicts at the heart of the play.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available for this specific television adaptation, but the play itself is universally recognized for its enduring themes of duty, law, and conscience.

The BBC's 'Theban Plays' series, of which 'Antigone' is a part, was noted for its commitment to presenting the tragedies with a serious, educational, and dramatic intent, often featuring respected classical actors.