To convert Antigone, an ancient Greek play, to an Asian audience would seem like a difficult task to do, noting all the changes the play would need to carry out. However, most of the internal elements (themes, relationships, etc.) are quite similar to Asian culture (from what I've watched- forgive me if I'm not so accurate. I've lived in America for 10 years and never actually lived in an Asian country until now :S).
Speaking from a traditional Asian point of view, changes to the exterior of the play would be required, such as costumes and scenery (and the actors of course- Asian audiences would prefer watching a show adapted to an Asian audience ... to be performed by Asian actors!) Looking at Korean dramas, costuming seems to be key when trying to represent a certain traditional era- to capture the time of imperialism and dynasty. Ancient Greeks wore loose fitting clothes with drapes and folds, while Koreans from their "ancient era" wore big, voluminous skirts and blouses with many colors (Hanbok for women), along with hair tied tightly covered by hats, baggy pants and jackets (for men). Therefore, heavy costume adaptations would have to take place. Scenery would have to be converted to early Asian architecture- think slide-open doors with wooden floors, roofs made of tile or hay, stone steps.
Like the cultural system in Ancient Greece, there would have to be an obvious class hierarchy between citizens of the village, town, etc. as there were in early Korean civilizations. Class in early Korea was based on family wealth and royal blood, shown by house size and quality, along with quality of clothing worn by civilians. Those in upper classes would not speak regularly to lower class citizens and the level of respect would vary depending on the class one was in.
Women in this adaptation would not be able to speak out directly to men, who possessed more power than their female counterparts, much like how the women in Antigone are subjected to a patriarchal governing system. Dire action would have to be done in secret, much like how Antigone tells no one about her plans for her brother's burial (except for her sister, in private) and carries out her mission discreetly. Asian audiences enjoy the sense of limited power in a main character, as it builds tension and drama when that character chooses to rebel. Therefore, I believe in terms of characterization and motivation, Antigone would not have to be changed immensely if converted to an Asian alternative.
Creon's current characterization would also suit Asian audiences in that he is cold-hearted, sinister, and looks down upon his people. This presents a nice contrast with Antigone's character that would draw the audience into the drama that unfolds later on.
Perhaps the sentry would be more respectful to Creon in the Asian version, only expressing any negative feelings or opinions towards Creon in secret (unlike in Sophocles' version "the one who does the judging judges all wrong". This would increase drama in that Creon would only see the sentry as a lowly, insignificant loyal servant.
Relationships between characters should be stronger in the Asian version, where bonds (stable or broken) are incredibly enticing to Asian audiences, to whom family is an ideal aspect of their lives. These relationships include Antigone and Ismene, Creon and Haemon.
Other than that, I believe the adaptation should be a film/ TV series rather than a play, as Asian audiences enjoy watching on the screen more than on the stage ( I think ), and that the adaptation should be in color, to highlight the colorful wardrobe and scenery.
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