List of multimedia used in our performance
- Projector
- Live feed
- Ringtones/sounds from phone
- Recorded video
- Recorded sound
- Music
- Choral speaking
- Phone lights
I think that our use of multimedia has allowed our audience to be somewhat more engaged to what is going on throughout our whole performance, as the various different uses of technology would heighten their senses, drawing them into a further interest to what they are watching. Also, we managed to transform a play that was written in 441bc into a modernised 21st century play that still holds themes that are relatable to us today, which was mainly due to the influence of multimedia in our performance.
I think that without our multimedia, our performance wouldn't have been as effective. As young actors, we can only do so much when trying to deliver Ancient Greek text whilst still trying to make it engaging and interesting. I feel that without the multimedia, the play would have felt a little too forced and would have not effected the audience in the same way that it did. Our use of multimedia allowed us to not only engage the audience, but made it easier for ourselves as actors to try and modernise the script and understand its relevance to our world.
The most effective part of multimedia was when Creon announced that Antigone was to be taken away to be left in a cave, and as we see Franky (Antigone) get pulled out of the room, the video of her being dragged to a cave starts to play. It was the most effective for me as the video had intense music, dramatic camera shots and a creative compilation of recordings showing what Antigone could see. I think this video was important because it allowed the audience to feel sympathy for Antigone as they were able to see out of her eyes, and feel the immense horror and fright she felt when being taken away against her will. It is important for an audience to be able to relate to a character onstage, as they will then feel a deeper connection with the play in total.
Scenes from Antigone:
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Multimedia used and locations
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How did the multimedia in each scene enhance the performance?
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1. Creon announces that Eteocles will be honoured and Polynices will be shamed and left un-buried.
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Video to be shown on screen in reception.
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This sets the scene of the play and build up a small background for Creon, illustrating his power and control over the city.
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2. Antigone goes to Ismene to persuade her to assist the burial of their brother. Ismene refuses.
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By the tree - video shown of the thoughts of the characters.
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Modernises the scene. A more advanced way to show thought tracking. Introduces a main theme- religion, and how influential the gods are.
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3. Antigone goes to bury her brother.
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Round of wooden stumps.
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Sets a formal, political feel as the stumps seem to be surrounding something of importance, and demonstrates the idea of Polyneices being guarded by Antigone.
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4. Creon looks for the support of the chorus of Theban Elders in his decision to leave Polynices unburied.
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Creon announces from fire escape door of 415 - chorus round the tree looking up. Audience looking up also.
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Creon is able to demonstrate his power and the significance of hierarchy in the city.
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5. A Sentry reports the burial of Polynices. Creon insists that the Sentry finds out who or face death.
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Filmed footage of event is shown on screen top of stairs. Sentry talking to Creon.
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The looping tape represents Creon's thoughts and how the citizen's betrayal is ever- present in his mind, spinning around his head.
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6. Chorus sing about honouring gods.
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From the yard up to windows of 413
Recorded chorus played.
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The chorus performing below and the speech coming from the room gives impression that all citizens are passionately devoted to the Gods.
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7. Sentry returns with the Culprit: Antigone. Creon confronts her.
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Burst into 413 - audience turn to see.
Lighting used.
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Lighting helps to set the mood- evilness, interrogation, fear, etc.
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8. Creon confronts Ismene. Ismene tries to confess but Antigone won't allow it. And in the end, the two sisters are imprisoned.
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Still in 413 but Creon live speaks to a projected Ismene. Antigone is walked out the room and joins the real Ismene - escorted off.
Lighting used
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Live feed is used to portray that although Ismene is present, she can't come close enough to Creon to be able to reckon with him.
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9. Haemon both pledges allegiance to his father, Creon, and asks that Antigone be spared. After the discussion deteriorate, Haemon storms out vowing never to speak to him again.
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Traverse in 413 - iphone lights as the two talk. Throughout confrontation, lights go out, one by one.
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The lights are used to show the intensity between Creon and Haemon, and how they are both stubborn with their beliefs and desires. They will stand by what they think is best; this is represented by not turning out either of their lights throughout the scene.
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10. Creon choses to spare Ismene, and to bury Antigone alive. As she is dragged out, the chorus express their Sorrow.
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One light left on Creon's face. Sound of s body being dragged...etc.
Projection and video used
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The light helps to intensify the importance of Creon, although everything else is dark, and all that is heard if a body being dragged. The light shows Creon's victory and triumphance.
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11. Tiresias attempts to advise Creon that what he is doing is wrong and that the Gods are angry. The prophecy of a dead son is mentioned.
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Tiresias never moves his mouth but what he says coupled with weird underscore is played through speakers of 415.
Projected video played
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This shows the importance of the prophesies, and how Creon is starting to crumble and distress.
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12. The chorus, terrified, begs him to take Tiresias' advice. Shaken, Creon agrees to release Antigone and bury Polynices.
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As many chorus as possible fill cavities of 415 and urge Creon. Three doors and side grated window thing.
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The chorus could be used to show Creon's realization and although he may not have believed Tiresias at first, he now knows the consequences to his actions. The crowded room shows his hysteria and multiple thoughts rushing through his head.
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13. Chorus deliver a choral ode to the god Dionysus.
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Creon, having making the right moral decision, is celebrated by the gods. This once again picks up on Religion within the play.
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14. Messenger informs Eurydice of Haemon and Antigone's death.
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Filmed footage on repeat of Haemon stabbing himself and Antigone hanging, swinging from a branch.
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The looping footage creates an uncomfortable, slightly frightening aura to the scene, where the final outcome of Creon's actions is shown so bluntly to Eurydice.
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15. Carrying the body of his dead son Haemon, Creon is then met by a 2nd messenger informing him of Eurydice's death.
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Audience back outside looking at tree. Creon walking through the courtyard, holding Creon, confronted by messenger at the tree. Chorus look down from 415.
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The chorus are now looking down on Creon, as if to shun him for what has been done. All focus is on Creon, and how he is both emotionally and physically alone, with nothing but his sorrow of his lost loved ones to fill his thoughts.
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