What do you find most striking and significant about the different ways in which the directors of the BBC and NT adaptations of Antigone adapt the Prologue of the play? 

The BBC adaptation seems to be more traditional. There is not a great usage of props or elaborate set design. The prologue features only Antigone and Ismene conversing, as opposed to the theatrical beginning and use of the chorus in the NT theatre production. The BBC adaptation seems to define a clearer power dynamic, with Antigone asserting herself as a leader. Ismene, while attempting to dissuade her, eventually has to give in to her wishes and allow her to do as she pleases. Ismene largely follows the lead of Antigone, moving around to follow her as she makes her way around the set. At one point in the production, Antigone is standing on a higher step than Ismene, creating a concrete visual representation of the aforementioned power dynamic. However, in the NT production, this power dynamic, I believe, is less noticeable. The two women, it seems, are having a conversation where both are equals, although Antigone still seems to possess more brash and authoritative tendencies.

Further, the NT production undoubtedly takes more creative liberties than the BBC one. The time period is modern, with performers dressed in costumes made to resemble office clothes. Before the scripted prologue, a scene featuring whom I presume would later be the chorus is acted out. It is one of high drama and climactic action. The set design is also quite impressive. This rather chaotic scene is followed by a one where the background is a grey wall, and it is quiet save for Antigone and Ismene’s discussion. This contrast of scenes helps highlight the surreptitious manner in which they are trying to conduct their talk.

In the BBC version, both women display some semblance of an intimate relationship as they speak with their heads quite close together. The NT version has both women with some spatial separation.