©SLT | Christian Krautzberger
October | Max von Stein, 12th grade
“Women have feelings, men destroy everything.“
So concluded one student after the performance ended. Perhaps not entirely accurate, but with regard to the play, quite apt. On 06.10.2026 we attended with our school the theatre performance “Antigone,” which is based on the tragedy of the same name by the Greek poet Sophocles. I was given the honorable task of writing a report on it, since neither Mr. Matyzok nor Ms. Levannier paid attention. 😉
©SLT | Christian Krautzberger
The play concerns the family of Oedipus and is set in the city of Thebes. At the center stand Antigone and the ruler Creon, who hold different conceptions of right and duty.
At the beginning, the war over Thebes has ended. Antigone’s brothers Eteocles and Polyneices have fallen in battle against one another. Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, decrees that Eteocles may be buried honorably. Polyneices, by contrast, he brands a traitor and forbids his burial. Whoever defies his command shall be punished with death. Antigone, however, considers this prohibition unjust and decides to bury her brother nonetheless. Through this she enters into a grave conflict with Creon.
©SLT | Christian Krautzberger
Particularly striking was the contrast between state law and personal morality. Antigone is convinced that the duty toward her brother is more important than Creon’s prohibition. Creon, on the other hand, believes that as ruler he must enforce his commands. Haimon, too—Creon’s son and Antigone’s betrothed—attempts in vain to change his father’s mind. In the end, catastrophe ensues: Antigone, Haimon, and finally Eurydice as well perish. Creon recognizes his error only when it is already too late.
©SLT | Christian Krautzberger
The production struck us as serious and somber. The design of the stage in particular—with the large red elements in the background—intensified the tense atmosphere. The costumes and the acting, too, suited the action well. Through this, the themes of power, violence, and freedom were clearly conveyed.
Overall, we found the performance compelling, as it raises important questions despite its great age. We found especially interesting the question of whether one must obey a law if one considers it unjust. The play also demonstrates the terrible consequences that abuse of power and lack of willingness to compromise can bring.
