A journey into the underworld. A god, Dionysus, disguised as Heracles. A servant, with a heavy load, on a donkey. These are the initial elements of an adventurous journey full of twists and turns, made up of encounters with mythical characters, multiform monsters and extravagant animals, in search of the only answer to the crisis gripping Athens: to save the city by bringing back to life the poet capable of reviving the great theatre. From Athens in 405 BC, a text full of political, moral, poetic and eschatological reflections, still capable of speaking to a contemporary audience.

 

Of particular value in the play are the in-depth comic characters – enhanced by the actors wearing masks – the set design, the result of meticulous craftsmanship, and the visual impact of the brightly coloured costumes. The protagonist of the story is Dionysus, god of theatre, who, in an attempt to save Athens from its decline, intends to restore value to poetry and art. Lacking men of this sort in the city, he decides to go to Hades to bring the great poet Euripides back to life. Accompanied by his servant Xanthias, the god embarks on a long journey through the underworld characterised by unpredictable encounters and extraordinary situations.

With The Frogs, Aristophanes tackles the crucial question of the political role of culture and theatre in society, and he does so with humour, through spontaneous and vibrant meta-theatricality. The text, rich in highly topical themes, offers the viewer food for thought and raises the same questions today as it did then.

Kerkís. Teatro Antico In Scena takes up the challenge by staging a comedy that entertains and raises awareness and, without distorting Aristophanes, recognises in a great classical drama the fabric of our own social fabric.

 

The Frogs has been staged in theatres and cultural venues in Milan, Monza and Como, even inaugurating the opening of the 18th VeliaTeatro Festival at the archaeological park of Elea-Velia (Ascea, SA).

 

Dramaturgical direction: Elisabetta Matelli

Stage direction: Christian Poggioni

Restaging: Eri Çakalli

Set design and props: Dino Serra

Costumes: Brera Academy of Fine Arts

Chorus: Lucia Amarilli Sala