The Frogs

Aristophanes presents us with The frogs, another piece full of humour, satire and criticism. In this play we follow the god of theatre and arts, Dionysus, and his slave, Xanthias, to the underworld, on a journey full of mishaps and deceptions, looking for the one he considers to be the best of the tragic playwriters, Euripides, to bring him back to the world of the living. So, Dionysus, dressed as Heracles, meets this greek hero and asks for advice on how to go and return from the underworld. Thus, he paddles into the underworld, accompanied by a chorus of swan frogs, hoping to be recognized as Heracles so that his journey would be easier. Contrary to expectations, Heracles had not left a good image on his journey through the underworld, which makes Dionysus prefer to pass himself off as a slave leaving his role as Heracles to the true slave, Xanthias. Yet, seeing that Heracles-Xanthias is well received, Dionysus changes roles again with Xanthias in a series of hilarious events. Upon arriving at Pluto’s domains, Dionysus finds a duel being held between Aeschylus and Euripides to determine which of them is the best in his art and deserver of such honour. It is him who will be the judge of the duel and choose the best poet, leaving everyone open-mouthed.

Lights: Margarida Coelho

Sound: Ricardo Neiva; Ricardo Acácio; Carina Fernandes

Choreography: Elisabete Cação; Carina Fernandes

Photography: Ricardo Acácio; Diogo Ribeirinha

Visual Programs: Ricardo Acácio

Illustration: Fábio Mordomo