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 Festival's newly launched theatre book series, featuring Nikos A. Panagiotopoulos' 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), Akilas 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.