A somewhat different version of Antigone by the German playwright. The story line is basically the same, but there are some differences that would probably be spotted only by those who know the play well enough to know each character in Sophocles' play. Brecht weaves the play through the backdrop of WWII, even though it is not obvious. He leaves it in Thebes, and the characters are the same, but he builds a Creon (Kreon in this version) who has none of the nobility, however misapplied, of the original version. Antigone also has none of the flaws of the original. These are broadly painted archetypes to serve his alienation effect. And, of course, his political view. Overall, a worthwhile and quick read. ( )

Beautiful language in this version. I suppose, having passed through so many hands, it could be expected to be refined. Malina (in her jail cell) has translated Brecht (still reeling from the horrors of World War Two) who adapted Hoderlin (left to rot in a tower of apparent madness) who translated Sophocles. So much war and anger and pain is in evidence here, and through so many hands. Lovely, but difficult. ( )