Reflections on Antigone in Ferguson

This performance of Antigone was definitely unlike anything I have experienced before. My only exposure to the play beforehand was an abbreviated reading my freshman year of high school, and we spent little time that I remember actually discussing the deeper meanings and lessons behind the story. Thus to me, the discussion after the performance and the parallels made between Antigone’s actions and choices and those of ourselves and those around us were fascinating and moving; I wouldn’t have thought to make so many of these connections myself. The point made by an audience member about the ambiguity of the law stuck with me particularly; we often default to the law in situations where it is unclear what is right and wrong even when it is in these times that we should be questioning it, because history shows that the law can be and has been far from right in the past. Having generally viewed the law as something that would be a clear and deciding factor in most situations, I found this to be quite an important point. Like Antigone’s willingness to put the honor of her brother above all else, even the law and herself, it is important for us to stand up for what is right, even if this goes against what society tells us. Even in our modern world, there are still so many laws, stereotypes and stigmas that directly contrast societal progression and the desire to create a fair and just world, and thus the law should always and constantly be questioned, and as members of society it is important for us to think hard about if laws truly support the best interests of all.

The connection to law enforcement as well as racial issues and equality was interesting as well. It was hard for me to personally connect with what many were discussing in regard to this, but I think this is all the more reason for why I should learn from what was said, and try to become more of an active member and play a larger role in preventing discrimination and violence. I have never been one with a lot of courage to step in to a situation or to loudly defend what I believe in, but after this performance I hope to take this with me, and be more active in supporting members of my community that face different and more difficult challenges than I do.

-Lindsey