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Aristophanes' The Birds Greek Art Theatre--Theatro Technis 'Karolos Koun'

The Greek Art Theatre Karolos Koun in Beijing on February 27, 2008, performed a revival of the classical Greek comedy The Birds, by Aristophanes.

The theatrical events of the Cultural Year of Greece in China begin with the most avant-garde production of an ancient Greek drama. This refers to the revival of the legendary production of Aristophanes’ The Birds, as staged by the Greek Art Theatre, Theatro Technis, under the historic direction of the most significant Greek director, Karolos Koun.

Aristophanes’ most popular comedy was first presented by the Greek Art Theatre and Karolos Koun in 1959 at the Herod Atticus Odeon. The participation of leading Greek artists contributed to the artistic triumph: eminent writer Vasilis Rotas, responsible for the adaptation and translation; Yannis Tsarouchis—one of the most important Greek painters and set designers—who was responsible for sets and costumes; charismatic composer Manos Hatzidakis, responsible for the music; choreographer Zouzou Nikoloudi, responsible for the choreography.

A multitude of talented Greek Art Theatre actors created a production, which today, 47 years after its first staging, remains unsurpassed; it is still considered the most successful post-war Greek dramatic production to tour worldwide.

The third revival of this production was presented to a Chinese audience at the spectacular new National Grand Theatre in China’s capital. Thus, the most modern theatre in the world hosted this gem of world drama, in a historic production, a digest of modern Greek culture and a benchmark in modern Greek cultural history. Through this lyrical masterpiece, imbued with a subtle melancholy, Aristophanes’ timeless words will remind us all of the values which make life worth living. 2008 is the 100th year of birth of Karolos Koun. Surely the most appropriate memorial that Koun's disciples could offer him is this revival of The Birds.

The Birds is certainly Aristophanes most ornate, spectacular play: a work of inspiration, forged with care and facility, which the dramatist loved and on whose ornamentation he spent the colours of his palette with generosity.

The Birds was first produced in 414 BC, while the (disastrous) Athenian campaign in Sicily was still under way. One could question any direct connection between this campaign and the opportunistic journey of Peisthetairos and Euelpides, but not the internal link between their “escape” and the gloomy atmosphere which had arisen during a long and not always victorious war. It was certainly no coincidence that at such a difficult time Aristophanes chose to tell a tale in which the political essence is dressed in the lively colours of fantasy and in which conflicts of all kinds are given a brighter aspect and relieved in the optimistic world of the dream. Aristophanes is simultaneously didactic and entertaining: the duty of the comedy writer.

The performance that the Chinese audience enjoyed is the third revival of the original performance. Disciples of Karolos Koun, Yiannis Tsarouchis, Manos Hadjidakis and Zouzou Nikoloudi have worked with great respect and love on this revival.