Greek Tragedy Countdown, #2: She’s here! She’s here! She’s here!

Y’all, it’s happening! My middle-school-friendly adaptation of Sophocles’ Antigone (titled Antigone: Daughter of Thebes) is published! Check it out on Amazon when you get a chance. 🙂

It’s also time for #2 on my countdown of my top 10 favorite Greek tragedies, and it might surprise you that the play that inspired the book I’m promoting – Sophocles’ Antigone – is NOT number one.

Still, number two ain’t bad (ignore Ricky Bobby’s dad when he says “if you’re not first, you’re last”). Antigone holds a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of many others. It’s probably the most frequently-performed ancient Greek play, with good reason. To quote the introduction of my own adaptation:

“The play asks us to confront questions that are just as relevant in the modern world as they were to the ancient Athenians: where is the line between ‘legal’ and ‘moral,’ and which of these two concepts should we prioritize? Do we owe more to our families or to our country? What do we owe to our families? What are the consequences of stubbornness and anger? How should rulers treat their subjects, and how should subjects treat their rulers? How can people without power make an impact on those with power? What does it mean to be a woman in a man’s world? These are just some of the questions that Antigone poses as the heartbreaking story unfolds.”

The story is set in Thebes, home of Oedipus (see my #8 favorite play). The civil war in Thebes is over, and its kings, twin brothers Eteocles and Polynices, have killed each other. In an effort to restore order, the new king Creon passes a law forbidding the burial of Polynices and promising death to anyone who violates his decree. But Antigone, Polynices’ sister, believes it is her duty to ensure her brother is properly buried. Will she risk her life to do what’s right? And will Creon recognize his mistake before it’s too late?

It’s a fascinating and timeless story, one that everyone should read (or see performed) in their lifetime!

Come back tomorrow for #1 on my list. And stay tuned for additional posts about the making of my book, which was in itself an incredible experience!

In Proximum, Regina Vestra