PODCAST · arts

Birds

by Aristophanes

"The Birds' differs markedly from all the other Comedies of Aristophanes which have come down to us in subject and general conception. It is just an extravaganza pure and simple—a graceful, whimsical theme chosen expressly for the sake of the opportunities it afforded of bright, amusing dialogue, pleasing lyrical interludes, and charming displays of brilliant stage effects and pretty dresses." As you listen, imagine that the actors wear masks and outfits so that they look like the birds they are named for. Cast list: Euelpides: Chris Pyle Peithetaerus: Ariphron Hoopoe: Alan Mapstone Herald: HelloCentral A Priest: Inkell A Poet: redrun A Soothsayer: Rita Boutros Meton, a Geometrician: Availle An Inspector: Elsie Selwyn A Plebiscite-Vendor: Beeswaxcandle Iris: Availle A Would-Be Parracide: Andrea Atwood Kinesias: Alan Mapstone An Informer: Cavaet Prometheus: Greg Giordano Poseidon: Ethan Hurst Triballion: Inkell Herakles: Rita Boutros First Messenger: De Anna Lee Second Messenger: David