Antigone
Scenic Design
Course: THTREMUS 260 - Scene Design I
Instructor: Prof. Kevin Judge
​
Project Duration: NOV 2023 - DEC 2023
Keywords: Scenic Design, Model Making, Illustration
Overview
This set design is crafted for a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles' play, 'Antigone,' originally penned in 441 BC. It delves into the intricate power dynamics that unfold during the heated debate between the characters Antigone and Creon, centering around the execution of Antigone's elder brother, Polynieces.
Scene-by-Scene Breakdown
Concept
In Antigone, what I found most interesting is how the power dynamic shifts between Antigone and Creon during their debates. Both their stand points seemed strong to me, so I wish to create a view that they are on a measuring balance, which will lean towards whoever is speaking. Since most of the characters died in the end, I had another idea of implicitly showing that underneath the palace is hell.
Design Overview
For my design, I integrated the balance into the architecture with arches and a big pillar in the center, and used two platforms to create elevation for each side on the balance. I also utilize the space in the front to establish the first and the prison scenes. In the back, I placed a big head, representing the dead brother Polynices, to emphasize the key conflict of the play. Underneath the pillar is a circle with light source, which will change into different colors throughout the play together with the strip lights in between the tiles on the floor.
White Model
First Draft
Second Draft
Final Version
Color Renderings
Hand drawn with Acrylic and color pencils. These three pieces showcase the color scheme and how the sets interact with lighting (spot, wash, and flood lights).
Pg 6: (Nurse) “Where have you been?”
Pg 37: (Antigone) “Animals, eh, Creon! What a king you could be if only men were animals!”
Pg 48: (Antigone) “Do you think it hurts to die?”
