Aristophanes’ satyrical ‘Birds’
An original event took place at a press conference on Monday, as three members of an ancient drama’s chorus stood up to interpret one of the most beautiful excerpts from Aristophanes’ «Birds.» The classical comedy will be performed by the Aristophanes Theater Organization at Epidaurus tonight and tomorrow. Directed by and starring Thymios Karakatsanis, and based on a translation by K.H. Myris, the upcoming production is part of the Epidaurus Festival. «It is every generation’s duty to discuss, each in its own way, ‘The Birds.’ Aristophanes lights up the eras, and the eras, in turn, light up Aristophanes. I have been dealing with his writings in a passionate way for the last 43 years, and still, there is something new to discover every time,» said the director/actor at the press conference. This time around, Karakatsanis chose to present the play from a novel point of view, approaching it as a «lyrical-satyrical, fictional fantasy, which at the same time becomes a political allegory, ultimately shedding light on the new social and political structure of our own time.» First performed in 414 BC, Aristophanes’ comedy focuses on a man fleeing the tyranny of reality and finding refuge in the kingdom of fairy tales. What kind of innovative elements is Karakatsanis introducing in Epidaurus this year? «The utopian state ‘Nefelokokkygia’ (Cloud-cuckoo-land), which in this production is known as ‘Synefooura’ (Cloud tail), is actually a military regime. The priest (who essentially symbolizes all those who take advantage of religion) is a Buddhist,» said Karakatsanis. Led by Karakatsanis, the cast also includes Takis Papamattheou, Dimitris Karakostantzoglou and Lefteris Loukadis. The production set and costumes were created by Laloula Chrysikopoulou,with music by Giorgos Tsagaris and choreography by Kyriakos Kosmidis. Aristophanes’ «Birds» will be staged today and tomorrow as part of the Epidaurus Festival, Epidaurus Ancient Theater, tel 07530.22026. Ticket purchases and credit card reservations can be made at the Hellenic Festival’s central box office which is located within the arcade at 39 Panepistimiou, tel 010.322.1459, today 8.30 a.m.-4 p.m. and tomorrow 9 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
