ATHENS – The Athenian Players of Athens State University will present a production of The Frogs by Aristophanes, directed by Assistant Professor of Drama Dr. Hugh Long. The performances will be held in McCandless Hall on the Athens State Campus. The play was translated by Dr. Frank Blessington. Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Admission will be charged at the door and is $10.00 per person, $7.00 for students and seniors.
In this classic example of Old Comedy, Dionysus, the Greek god of Theatre, frustrated by the lack of great plays, travels to Hades to bring the playwright Euripides back from the dead to save Athenian Drama. The cast of characters, Dionysus meets through his travels to the underworld leads to a debate and contest over who truly holds the title of “Greatest Greek Tragedian”.
Assistant Professor of Drama Dr. Hugh Long
“Aristophanes was the John Stewart of Ancient Athens,” notes Dr. Long. “The Frogs is his homage to the great playwright Euripides, who died the year before it was written, but also Aristophanes’ satirical look at the state of Athenian cultured in the middle of a devastating war with Sparta. It’s physical, funny, and full of subtle off-color jokes.”
Dr. Kimberly Jack will design costumes; Tracy Szappan will serve as Stage Manager; and Victoria Cochran serves as Technical Director.
More information can be found at www.athens.edu/athenianplayers.
MEDIA RELEASE/ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY, GUY MCCLURE
