ANTIGONE

AutoDesk Sketchbook

Date: 12/03/2021
Timeframe: 1 Month

Paper Project: Create a concept and costume design for the Greek tragedy, “Antigone.”
I wanted Antigone to stay as it is, however, the characters and their world are slowly swallowed by a hellscape that is similar to “Dante’s Inferno”

STATEMENT

I began by writing a statement explaining my concept.

My concept for “Antigone” looks as if I haven’t changed anything, but that is not the case. Throughout the show the set and the costumes will look like where the original story takes place, in a palace within Ancient Greece. However, the set and the characters will start to be swallowed up by hell. The changes in the visuals are all inspired by “Dante’s Inferno”. Most of these characters would end up in hell, according to that story, and as “Antigone” continues, the world of Antigone will slowly be engulfed by hell.

The exact inspirations from “Dante’s Inferno” that will be implemented into this production of “Antigone” come from the 7th circle of hell, and the rings within that circle. The 7th circle of hell has to do with violence. Something that Antigone has a lot to do with as well, whether that be violence against neighbors or violence against self. The 7th circle is surrounded by the Phlegethon, a river of boiling blood and fire. There are 3 rings within the 7th circle. The 2nd ring contains the wood of the suicides. Within these woods are trees shaped like contorted human bodies. Those trees are fed on by Harpies, which are bird monsters with the head of a woman. When the branches of these trees are broken, they bleed, and their story is told. The wood of the suicides and the Phlegethon will be combined with the world of Antigone by the end, as many correlations can be made between the two worlds.

The costumes for these characters will contain many of the traits that are seen in the 7th circle of hell. For example, Antigone, who commits suicide at the end of the show, will be wearing Ancient Greek royal attire, however branches and twigs will be lining the clothing. Especially later in the show. Similar ideas will be implemented for the other characters that commit suicide.

Creon, who commits many acts of violence against his neighbors will be dressed in red and will closely resemble the Phlegethon. The Chorus will resemble the Harpies and will have many feathers in their clothing. Tiresias will have the most dramatic altercations to his role in Antigone, as he will be an exact connection to both worlds. Tiresias is in both “Dante’s Inferno” and “Antigone.” In “Dante’s Inferno,” Tiresias has been punished by God for looking into the future. He is one of many sorcerers that have been punished. His head has been turned backwards, and he is forced to look forward while only being allowed to walk backward into the past.

The rest of the design changes will take time to develop. We really won’t see any dramatic changes until the climax of the play. The audience will slowly watch the palace transform into a twisted hellscape with all the characters receiving their punishments. It will be a fascinating transition to watch unfold.

There is an argument to be made that the visuals may be seen as confusing. I believe that this can be helped by leaning more towards the elements that are seen in a typical hellscape. Focusing in on the color red and the Phlegethon should resolve any issues confusing the audience.