Acharnians

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The UCL Classical Drama Society and UCL’s department of Greek and Latin, in association with the Bloomsbury Theatre present an amateur production of Aristophanes’ Acharnians.

Acharnians is Aristophanes’ earliest surviving comedies, and serves as a good example of Old Comedy in Ancient Athens; the story of an Athenian citizen, Dikaeopolis, on a quest for peace during the Peloponnesian war.

Aristophanes wrote Acharnians during Athens’ long war with Sparta, and the play is one of many he wrote that reflected his desire for peace. Acharnae was particularly affected by the war, being raided annually by the Spartans. In the play, the chorus of Acharnians are eventually won over by Dikaeopolis, and his impassioned arguments for peace.

For over twenty years, UCL has established a firm tradition of successful productions of classical Comedy and Tragedy. Following the success of the 2006 production of Euripides’ Medea, this production of Acharnians is based on a new translation that has offered novel possibilities of a modern interpretation while following the form and style of a traditional comedy, with subtle references to today’s international tensions. By broadly following the traditional structure of 5th century comedy, the play not only appeals to those familiar with Greek theatre but also offers an excellent introduction of Aristophanic comedy to a younger audience.

Tickets £9, concessions £6