The Frogs
|
Aristophanes is acknowledged as the greatest of the Greek comic writers and is the only one whose works has survived in complete form. He was born in Athens and had his first comedy produced when he was so young that his name was withheld on account of his youth. He is credited with over forty plays, eleven of which survive, along with the names and fragments of some twenty-six others. He died in 388 BC. "The Frogs" was produced the year after the death of Euripides and laments the decay of Greek tragedy. It is an excellent example of his style, mingling wit and poetry with rowdy humour and a keen sense for satire. Through his hostility to Euripides and his attacks on Socrates, he makes it clear that he prefers tradition over innovation, whether that be in politics, religion, or art. This new adaptation is faithful to the story whilst using language understood by a modern audience.
| ||
