Argyro Chioti
The Frogs by Aristophanes

Does Poetry have a place in a seemingly prosperous society? In this hilarious and thoughtful satire, Aristophanes depicts a descent to the Underworld, in quest of the poet that will save the ailing city. The poetic duel between Euripides and Aeschylus is sidesplittingly funny as well as giving us food for thought, especially in our current times of cultural poverty, with poetry more instrumental than ever in securing some form of social unity. The play will be presented in a new, modern Greek translation by poet and translator Nikos A. Panagiotopoulos, in this performance directed by talented Argyro Chioti in her debut at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.

The text will be published as part of the FestivalΆs newly launched theatre book series, featuring Nikos A. PanagiotopoulosΆ new translation, with an introduction and a complete list of previous productions of the play by Professor Agis Marinis.

With Greek and English surtitles

Due to the ongoing pandemic, all performance dates are subject to change

Translated by Nikos A. Panagiotopoulos

Directed by Argyro Chioti

Set design Eva Manidaki

Music Jan Van Angelopoulos

Costume design Angelos Mentis

Lighting design Tasos Palaioroutas

Physical coaching - Acrobatics Manuk Karyotakis

Assistant to the director Katerina Kotsou

Assistant to the set designer Anna Zoulia

Assistant to the costume designer - Special props Aella Tsilikopoulou

Dramaturgy consultant Elyssa Brunel Leydet

Technical sound consultant Brian Coon

Set construction Lazaridis Scenic Studio

Set painting Freddy Gizas

Costume construction Litsa Moumouri - Efi Karantasiou

Music box constructed by Lefteris Chavoutsas

Special leather props Kostas Vlachopoulos

Photos Geli Kalampaka

Cast (in order of appearance) Evi Saoulidou (Xanthias), Maria Kechagioglou (Dionysus), Michalis Valasoglou (Heracles), Manuk Κaryotakis (Corpse), Efthimis Theou (Charon, Aeacus, Pluto), Georgina Chryskioti (Maid, First Hostess), Chara Kotsali (Second Hostess), Dimitra Vlagopoulou (Servant), Akyllas Karazisis (Euripides), Νikos Chatzopoulos (Aeschylus), Antonis Miriagos (Coryphaeus)

Chorus of Frogs and Initiates Georgina Chryskioti, Manuk Karyotakis, Chara Kotsali, Spyros Mastoras, Antonis Miriagos, Efthimis Theou, Michalis Valasoglou, Dimitra Vlagopoulou

Executive producer Maria Dourou / VASISTAS

Special thanks to Municipality of Moschatos - Tavros for their hospitality, the Culture, Sports & Youth Organisation of the City of Athens (OPANDA), and the Onassis Culture Centre.