Dramatic Space and Theatrical Meaning: The Case of Sophocles’ Antigone

This paper aims to explore, by means of the significant example of Sophocles’ Antigone, how much our perception of the construction and exploitation of dramatic space may contribute to the overall interpretation of an ancient tragedy. A detailed analysis of the indications Sophocles gives the spectator in order to orientate his perception of the off-stage space and of the space within the skēnē shows how the close intertwining between the construction of the characters and that of dramatic space offers a clear indication of Sophocles’ primary dramatic idea for this play. The axis around which the poet has constructed the story is the subtle and dangerous boundary dividing the spheres of life and death, which informs the theatrical space and creates a perfect balance between the movement of the characters and their tragic experience. All the other themes of the play, such as conflicts between law and individual freedom, between State and family, between father and son or male and female, although they may seem the most relevant for modern interpreters, must be projected against the foil of this primary conception.