Theatre: Eastern presents 'The Burial at Thebes,' based on Sophacles' classic tragedy

by Noel Teter

Willimantic, CT (11/24/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University is proud to present its final theatrical production of the fall semester, "The Burial at Thebes," from Dec. 4-7 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Proscenium Theatre. A translation of Sophocles' classic tragedy "Antigone," the play contemplates the conflict between individual conscience and state authority.

Presented by the Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre (CFT) and Drama Society, "The Burial at Thebes" is written by Seamus Heaney and directed by CFT Professor Kristen Morgan.

Showings:

Plot:

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?

By witnessing Antigone's courage and Creon's demise, audiences are invited to join a conversation about justice, resistance, and compassion - one as urgent now as it was in ancient Thebes.

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