Watch: 'The Burial at Thebes,' behind the scenes

This behind-the-scenes video highlights the Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre's fall 2025 production of "The Burial at Thebes," an adaptation of Sophocles' classic tragedy "Antigone," which was staged in the Proscenium Theatre from Dec. 4 to 7.

Written by Seamus Heaney and directed by CFT Professor/Chair Kristen Morgan, the play contemplates the conflict between individual conscience and state authority.

After a bitter civil war, Antigone risks everything to bury her disgraced brother in defiance of King Creon's decree. Her bold decision, rooted in family loyalty and reverence, puts her at odds with state authority, highlighting how individuals can change the course of history through resistance.

Heaney's riveting translation places audiences in the midst of Antigone's moral quandary, echoing modern-day discourse on protest, injustice, and ethical responsibility. King Creon's downfall warns of the dangers of stubborn leadership and the consequences of repressed public discussion.

With its enduring themes, "The Burial at Thebes" lifts a story from the distant past into a dynamic call to engage with the challenges of the present time. The play asks audiences: When is it right to challenge authority? What values are worth breaking the rules for? How do we balance the needs of society with our personal beliefs?