Product Description

'Anouilh is a poet, but not of words: he is a poet of words-acted, of scenes-set, of players-performing' Peter Brook Jean Anouilh, one of the foremost French playwrights of the twentieth century, replaced the mundane realist works of the previous era with his innovative dramas, which exploit fantasy, tragic passion, scenic poetry and cosmic leaps in time and space. Antigone, his best-known play, was performed in 1944 in Nazi-controlled Paris and provoked fierce controversy. In defying the tyrant Creon and going to her death, Antigone conveyed to Anouilh's compatriots a covert message of heroic resistance; but the author's characterisaation of Creon also seemed to exonerate Marshal Petain and his fellow collaborators. More ambivalent than his ancient model, Sophocles, Anouilh uses Greek myth to explore the disturbing moral dilemmas of our times. Commentary and notes by Ted Freeman.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66730 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 75 pages

About the Author
Jean Anouilh (1910-87) is regarded as one of France's best-known dramatists. ANTIGONE firmly established his popularity in France in 1944 and Peter Brook's 1950 production of Ring Round the Moon (1947) made his name in England. Twice married, he lived mainly in Switzerland for the last thirty years of his life.

Customer Reviews

A very good translation with useful notes and commentary
This is a very good English version of Jean Anouilh's Antigone. It includes notes and a commentary, which are very helpful, especially if you are studying this text. The translation stays true to the original text, so again, it is useful if you are studying it.

A wonderful and engrossing read!
Having already owned this book and then losing it I know how important it is to have this book in your personal library. This book is an absolute must have for all aspiring thesps as it gives perfect material for any up and coming auditions you may have. It is also a good book for any one interested in greek myths as it looks back on the tradgedy that befell oedipus and the curse that fell on every family member to be born to his family name. I absolutely love this text as it is an inriguing look into the politics, beliefs and morals of that time.

magnificent
a classic book which cleverly opens up deeper meanings of life Antigone, who serves as a kind of messenger to us all to look at the greater importance of responsability in life...a great read and a definite recommendation.