EPISODE 90 - AESCHYLUS

PIP

This episode is dedicated to Jason Woods who was the first person to successfully upload themselves to a personal computer. Unfortunately, this breakthrough could not be celebrated as the computer swiftly crashed and Jason could not be retrieved. Or so it seems. We actually made him reappear as a linguist, working with NASA to facilitate communication between humans and extraterrestrial life forms. Thanks to Jason, and thank you to all our patrons who chip in to allow us to keep telling stories. Enjoy the episode.

PROLOGUE.

ATHENS (456 BC)

SINGING, STAMPING, DRUMMING, DANCING, HUGGING, LOVING, FIGHTING.

WE'RE IN ATHENS, CAUGHT IN THE MIDST OF A PARADE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CITY DIONYSIA.

THE INTERVIEWER AND KOZLOWSKI ARE SWEPT ALONG ON A WAVE OF RIOTOUS NOISE. KOZLOWSKI IS HAVING AN AMAZING TIME. THE INTERVIEWER… NOT SO MUCH.

INTERVIEWER

Cover me in snakes and call me a Gorgon! Where have you brought me?

KOZLOWSKI

Athens!

INTERVIEWER

I know we're in Athens! I mean what is all this -

(A LARGE AMPHORA OF WINE IS EMPTIED OVER THE INTERVIEWER'S HEAD)

INTERVIEWER

(SQUEALS) What just - ?

KOZLOWSKI

Keep up or you will be trampled by the goat men!

INTERVIEWER

Someone just poured wine over my head!

KOZLOWSKI

Yes!

(BOINK)

INTERVIEWER

(SQUEALS AGAIN) Did she just...?

KOZLOWSKI

Hit you over the head with a giant phallus? Yes.

(BOINK. BOINK. BOINK. MORE PUMMELING)

INTERVIEWER

I... I'm not sure I like this...

(KOZLOWSKI DRAGS THE INTERVIEWER OUT OF THE PROCESSION AND INTO THE DOORWAY OF A TEMPLE. OUT OF BREATH)

KOZLOWSKI

I have always wanted to see this.

INTERVIEWER

What? Me being trampled by a crowd in goat masks and pummeled to death by a dozen fake penises!

KOZLOWSKI

You mean Peni. That sounds like the kind of death you thrive on inventing, by the way.

INTERVIEWER

Is that what we're here for? To meet a client?

KOZLOWSKI

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

Who?

KOZLOWSKI

We'll get to that...

INTERVIEWER

Why don't you tell me?

KOZLOWSKI

Because we are in the process of witnessing one of the greatest festivals in the world!

(THE INTENSITY OF THE DRUMMING AND DANCING INTENSIFIES)

Ah look! Here it comes!

INTERVIEWER

Woah, that statue is huge... And the people carrying it are very intoxicated... Maybe we should move back a little?

KOZLOWSKI

(IN EXCITED AWE) That is the statue of Dionysus! And this celebration is the Dionysia!

INTERVIEWER

I'm surprised the authorities allow such debauchery.

KOZLOWSKI

They have no choice.

INTERVIEWER

How so?

KOZLOWSKI

Well, when the Eleuthereans gifted this statue to the Athenians, they initially rejected it. Dionysus punished them with a plague affecting the male genitalia.

INTERVIEWER

Goodness.

KOZLOWSKI (CON’T)

On accepting the cult of Dionysus, their genitals were cured.

INTERVIEWER

So that explains the giant phalluses?

KOZLOWSKI

Indeed!

INTERVIEWER

And why goats?

KOZLOWSKI

A symbol for Dionysus. Come on!

INTERVIEWER

What?

KOZLOWSKI

We should join the end of the procession.

INTERVIEWER

I thought there's a client for me to meet.

KOZLOWSKI

First, we have some theatre to see!

INTERVIEWER

Theatre?

KOZLOWSKI

Dionysus is not only the god of wine, festivity and mayhem, but also the god of theatre.

INTERVIEWER

I love theatre!

KOZLOWSKI

The procession leads to the great Theatre of Dionysus on the south slope of the Acropolis hill.

INTERVIEWER

What play are we seeing?

KOZLOWSKI

We are seeing twelve plays.

INTERVIEWER

Twelve?!

KOZLOWSKI (CON’T)

All this is merely the prelude to a giant theatre contest. Three tragedians will each present a trilogy of tragedies, followed by a satyr play. I hope you are ready for this!

INTERVIEWER

I told you, I love theatre.

KOZLOWSKI

Ah, but these tragedians will make you weep and fill your heart with pain.

INTERVIEWER

That sounds horrible! Why would anyone watch that?

KOZLOWSKI

They say it cleanses the heart, purging us of our petty concerns, making us aware that there can be nobility in suffering.

INTERVIEWER

Hm.

KOZLOWSKI

Then, after all the pity and fear and purgation, we will be treated to a satyr play to cheer us up!

INTERVIEWER

What's a satyr play?

KOZLOWSKI

Not unlike what we are experiencing now! A raucous spectacle, performed by men with enormous -

INTERVIEWER

Don't say it -

KOZLOWSKI

(HAPPILY) Phalluses.

INTERVIEWER

Of course. And the whole thing is a competition?

KOZLOWSKI

Yes. Euripides, Aeschylus and Sophocles are competing. First today is The Orestia. A new tragic trilogy by Aeschylus.

INTERVIEWER

And what's the prize?

KOZLOWSKI

Well...

INTERVIEWER

It better be something good...

KOZLOWSKI

Do you know what tragedy means?

INTERVIEWER

No?

KOZLOWSKI

Song of The Goat.

INTERVIEWER

Alright...

KOZLOWSKI

So, the prize for the master tragedian is...

INTERVIEWER

A goat?!

KOZLOWSKI

A goat! (LAUGHS)

(THE INTERVIEWER AND KOZLOWSKI ARE SWEPT ALONG WITH THE PARADE)

(THE CHORUS COME MARCHING TOWARDS US)

CHORUS LEADER

Hark!

CHORUS

We cry the news aloud of a great new play.

CHORUS LEADER

A tale of murder, of royal revenge!

of reckoning and love, lust and betrayal, of birthright, duty, sacrifice and treachery!

CHORUS

Behold! Aeschylus! Father of Tragedy!

CHORUS LEADER

Your words are daggers,

you aim for the heart!

CHORUS

We bear our chests so you may strike us.

CHORUS LEADER

You elevate suffering with soaring song! You cleanse our souls with burning tears! You light the flame of scorching truth!

CHORUS

But! Aeschylus! Beware!

CHORUS LEADER

Though tragedy be your daughter,

born of your blazing mind...

CHORUS

Alas! Take heed!

CHORUS LEADER

She is also the mother

of your eternal undoing!

Your own demise will mirror

the deaths of greatest drama!

The Oracle of Delphi

did speak:

CHORUS

Your days are numbered!

CHORUS LEADER

The greatest of tragedians

will meet his inescapable

and clearly...

CHORUS

tragic!

CHORUS LEADER

-fate.

(CHORUS LEAVES)

THEME TUNE.

INTRO

The Amelia Project, created by Philip Thorne and Oystein Ulsberg Brager, with music and sound direction by Fredrik Baden, and sound design by Paul Kraner.

Episode 90 – Aeschylus, 456BC.

INTERVIEW.

(THE INTERVIEWER ENTERS A SMALL ROOM)

INTERVIEWER

He is not back yet. Everyone wants a piece of him today. The celebrations have no end!

I'll just wait.

(HE PACES THE ROOM)

Oh, good lord. Why am I so nervous? I have met artists before. But nobody like him! What a mind! Those plays! It's like my soul has been torn out of my body, turned inside out, and then tied around my heart in a Gordian knot!

How do I greet him... (VERY CHEERY) "Hellooo! I am from the Brotherhood! Loved your plays!" Ahm, no, no, no...

Maybe I'll bow? No, no, that's too much. Do I shake his hand? (STERN:) "Aeschylus, sir, I'm at your disposal." No! That's just weird. Why would you say that.

(PACING, HE ALMOST KICKS OVER AN AMPHORA OF WINE WHICH IS STANDING ON THE FLOOR, BUT MANAGES TO STOP IT FROM FALLING OVER)

Oh! Aiii! No - oh - phew. Why is that amphora on the floor? I almost kicked it over! That would have been a great first impression! "Hello, Mr dramatist, sorry your floor is now wine-mud." I better put it somewhere safe, up on a shelf.

(HE LIFTS THE AMPHORA AND LOOKS AROUND)

Uhm... Uh... Good lord. (STRUGGLES) There are no shelves. I'll put it down again, then.

(HE PUTS THE AMPHORA BACK DOWN)

Good lord, haven’t lifted anything as heavy ever since Kozlowski passed out in a ditch. Come to think of it, there is a lot of courage in a wee goblet of wine... Should I? Maybe he'll be offended that I just helped myself? On the other hand, today is the Dionysia! There were amphoras of wine everywhere! People sharing and pouring and drinking out of any goblet they could see. Oh, he won't mind!

(THE INTERVIEWER PICKS UP THE AMPHORA AND IS ABOUT TO POUR HIMSELF A GOBLET OF WINE, WHEN:)

Oh good lord, this is heavy!

CHORUS

Halt!

INTERVIEWER

(JUMPS) Oh!

CHORUS LEADER

This wine is made from grapes,

picked by the great Aeschylus himself,

INTERVIWER

I will leave it then!

CHORUS LEADER (CON’T)

in the fertile vineyards of Attica,

where Dionysus did appear to him,

whispered and sang in his ear,

bestowed on him a terrible gift.

CHORUS

The blessing and burden of tragedy!

INTERVIEWER

(NERVOUS) Suddenly got crowded in here, didn't it! I'll put the wine over on that ledge so no one kicks it over...

CHORUS

Halt!

INTERVIEWER

What now?!

CHORUS

The amphora must stand where it was found!

INTERVIEWER

Oh!

CHORUS

Its heavy clay upon the ground must rest!

INTERVIEWER

Okayyyy…

(HE PUTS THE AMPHORA BACK DOWN)

Uh... Where did you come from? I didn't know I was sharing the room with twelve masked men, I -

CHORUS

We are everywhere. See everything. Hear everything.

INTERVIEWER

That's a bit terrifying. Did you see me earlier when I picked my nose?!

CHORUS

(MUTTERING, UNTIL:) We see everything!

INTERVIEWER

Oh my...! Wait! I know who you are! You're the chorus ! From The Orestia! You were fantastic!

CHORUS

(THEY MUMBLE, CHUFFED AT THE COMPLIMENT)

INTERVIEWER

When you persuaded Orestes to go through with the killing of his mother... That was very powerful!

CHORUS

Yes. We are very persuasive.

INTERVIEWER

It's an honour to make your acquaintance.

CHORUS

Hail fair stranger. We salute you!

INTERVIEWER

Oh, no stop- Actually, you might be able to help me. You see, I have an appointment with -

CHORUS

But hark! What footsteps do we hear?

INTERVIEWER

Aeschylus? Aeschylus! That must be him!

CHORUS

Steps heavy with pain and woe,

shoulders bent with fear and strife.

INTERVIEWER

I'm a bit nervous about meeting such a great dramatist-

CHORUS

'Tis a gait burdened with torment

INTERVIEWER

Torment? Really? But he just won an award.

CHORUS

Heavy is the heart that weeps,

tender is the soul that sees.

INTERVIEWER

I suppose writing devastating plays does require a tragic disposition -

CHORUS

His eyes have met the sun,

his gaze shies not away,

from the blistering furnace of truth.

INTERVIEWER

That sounds... intense...

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

We bare our chests for you!

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

So you may stab our hearts!

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

So you may open our eyes!

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

So you may cleanse our souls!

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

With the fearsome force of tragedy!

(AESCHYLUS ENTERS. WITH A GOAT. THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

Dionysus, what a day...

CHORUS

(Excited) Behold Aeschylus!

AESCHYLUS

(SIGHS) Are you still here?

INTERVIEWER

Oh, eh - you asked me to come! I'm -

AESCHYLUS

Not you, them!

CHORUS

Hail mighty Aeschylus! We salute you!

AESCHYLUS

(TO THE INTERVIEWER) Sorry, there's no getting rid of them.

CHORUS

We are everywhere. See everything. Hear everything.

AESCHYLUS

Hi. I'm Aeschylus.

INTERVIEWER

(STARSTRUCK) I know, pleasure to - I mean - I'm honoured - pleasure's all mine! Congratulations on the goat...!

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

(SHUDDERS) Goat. (A WHISPER) I’m doomed!

INTERVIEWER

Sorry?

CHORUS LEADER

Behold its...

CHORUS

...arched horns!

CHORUS LEADER

Behold its...

CHORUS

...cloven hooves!

CHORUS LEADER

Behold its...

CHORUS

...woolly beard!

CHORUS LEADER

Behold its...

AESCHYLUS

Smell? Stinky faeces?

INTERVIEWER

(CHUCKLES AT THIS UNEXPECTED INTERJECTION)

CHORUS

A noble animal,

virile and proud,

oh sacred goat,

we salute you!

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

Do you want it?

INTERVIEWER

Who? Me?

CHORUS

Who? Him?

AESCHYLUS

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

You want to give me your goat?

AESCHYLUS

Yes... (with dread) Goats...

INTERVIEWER

I thought this goat was a big deal?

CHORUS LEADER

Was mighty Zeus himself,

not fostered by a goat?

CHROUS

(MUTTERS IN APPROVAL)

CHROUS LEADER

Did the infant God not suckle,

on Amalthaea's tender teat?

CHROUS

(MUTTERS IN APPROVAL)

INTERVIEWER

Zeus? Really?

CHORUS

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

I didn't know that, I've always thought of goats as -

AESCHYLUS

Please! Everyone! Stop talking about goats!

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

His rage is worthy of Ares,

his temper is fierce as fire,

befitting for a man whose life,

pulsates to the heartbeat of drama.

AESCHYLUS

I just don't want to be reminded of goats. Please.

(THE GOAT BLEATS.)

INTERVIEWER

We can open a window, get some fresh air in here and -

AESCHYLUS

Not because of the stink! Though it does smell... (he thinks of something) baaad. baa baa baaaaad...

INTERVIEWER

(CHUCKLES AT THIS UNEXPECTED JOKE)

AESCHYLUS

(SUDDENLY SERIOUS) I have done something terrible!

INTERVIEWER

(CLEARS THROAT) Tell me your story and I will do my best to help you.

AESCHYLUS

You are from The Brotherhood?

INTERVIEWER

Eh, yes. Yes.

(PAUSE)

AESCHYLUS

It's... it's...

INTERVIEWERS

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

It's the play.

INTERVIEWER

Your play! Oh, I thought it was very poignant! The way you contrast revenge with justice, personal vendetta with public trials, and by showing us the harrowing murder of Agamemnon -

CHORUS

Oh king, my king,

how shall I weep for you?

What can I say out of my heart of pity?

Caught in this spider's web you lie,

your life gasped out in indecent death -

AESCHYLUS

Oh shut up!

CHORUS

(OFFENDED MUTTERING)

We must protest! These words are from your play!

AESCHYLUS

Yes, but I don't mean that play. I don't mean The Orestia!

INTERVIEWER

Not the Orestia? Are you talking about your satyr? It was great! I mean it's fifteen minutes of fart jokes, but that's what it's meant to be, isn't it? At the end of a long day of tragedy -

AESCHYLUS

No, I don't mean the satyr!

INTERVIEWER

Oh, then what do you -

AESCHYLUS

I mean... a new play.

CHORUS (EXTACTIC)

Zeus be praised!

A new play,

by great Aeschylus,

father of tragedy,

messenger of Dionysus

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

(WITH DREAD) Oh...

INTERVIEWER

You are worried about this new play?

AESCHYLUS

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

Why?

AESCHYLUS

I gave it to Theodoros to read!

INTERVIEWER

Oooh, who’s Theodorus?

AESCHYLUS

A childhood friend. We both grew up wanting to be dramatists.

INTERVIEWER

He is a fellow writer?

AESCHYLUS

Oh no. His plays stink more than this goat. Poor man. It is a terrible fate to have an artistic temperament but no talent.

INTERVIEWER

Yet you still confide your plays to him? Why?

AESCHYLUS

Because his reactions tell me whether they are working.

INTERVIEWER

How?

AESCHYLUS

He weeps, screams and shakes his fist without restraint. When he read Agamemnon he bit his knuckles so hard they bled. When he read The Libation Bearers he tore out fistfuls of hair. When he read The Eumenides he wept for two days straight.

INTERVIEWER

And what happened when he read your new play? What is it called, by the way?

AESCHYLUS

(WITH DIFFICULTY) The...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

The… Goats.

INTERVIEWER

The Goats. Huh.

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

Quite. So how did Theodoros react when he read The Goats?

AESCHYLUS

He...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

He...

INTERVIEWER

Yes??

AESCHYLUS

He -

CHORUS LEADER

Like Oedipus, King of Thebes,

a dagger he did raise,

and plunge with mighty force,

the blade into his eyes,

the searing words to flee, the terror and the pain,

unleashed upon the page,

by the master tragedians hand.

I am certain it was so!

CHORUS

(MUMBLES IN AWE)

INTERVIEWER

(GASPS) Really? But... that just-

AESCHYLUS

No!

INTERVIEWER

No?

CHORUS

No?

AESCHYLUS

No.

INTERVIEWER

Oh thank god, I mean- Aren’t you supposed to see everything?!

CHORUS

(EMBARRASSED GRUMBLING)

CHORUS LEADER

Sometimes we look away.

AESCHYLUS

What happened was...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

Worse.

INTERVIEWER

Worse?!

CHORUS

(GASPS)

INTERVIEWER

What happened Aeschylus?!

AESCHYLUS

I... I can't.

(PAUSE)

INTERVIEWER

O, but you can! He... killed himself?!

AESCHYLUS

No!

INTERVIEWER

Oh thank the gods!

AESCHYLUS

Worse!

INTERVIEWER

Worse yet?! The impact of your play made him... kill somebody else?!

AESCHYLUS

No, no, no, no! Nothing like that, he...

INTERVIEWER

Ah. Now I think I understand.

AESCHYLUS

You do?

INTERVIEWER

I do.

AESCHYLUS

But...?

INTERVIEWER

You see, we have something in common.

AESCHYLUS

What's that?

INTERVIEWER

I am not a writer, but I am, or I used to be, a performer.

AESCHYLUS

Really? An actor?

INTERVIEWER

A storyteller.

AESCHYLUS

Tell me more!

INTERVIEWER

Oh, I've travelled far and wide, told my stories on public squares, in ports, palaces and prisons. I held a rapt audience. But sometimes...

AESCHYLUS

Yes?

INTERVIEWER

Well, you know how it is. Although I was good at my craft, very good, sometimes my stories fell flat. Sometimes they did not elicit the gasps, shrieks and applause to which I had become accustomed. You must not let this discourage you! Every artist, no matter how great, experiences setbacks -

CHORUS

We must protest!

INTERVIEWER

Oh? Why?

CHORUS

Hubris! Hubris! Vanity and hubris!

INTERVIEWER

I -

CHORUS LEADER

You compare yourself to Aeschylus?

INTERVIEWER

No! No! Not at all! Aeschylus is a great tragedian -

CHORUS

The Father of Tragedy!

INTERVIEWER

- and I was just -

CHORUS LEADER

How dare you insult the great man so?

INTERVIEWER

Nono, I was just a traveling storyteller -

CHORUS

More than a man!

INTERVIEWER

I was just trying to say -

CHORUS

(INSISTING) Messenger of Dionysus!

INTERVIEWER

Yes, I -

CHORUS LEADER

Every line of his verse stirs the soul,

Every stroke of his pen pierces the heart, Every thought from his mind sings with inspiration.

(SAD SOUNDS FROM THE CHORUS )

Yes thank you, that’s enough.

INTERVIEWER

I am sorry Aeschylus.

AESCHYLUS

Don't worry. I am not offended.

INTERVIEWER

Oh.

AESCHYLUS

But they are right.

CHORUS

(GLOATS)

AESCHYLUS

My new play isn't bad.

INTERVIEWER

It's not...?

AESCHYLUS

In fact, I think it might be a masterpiece.

INTERVIEWER

Then why did your friend's reaction disturb you so?

AESCHYLUS

Because...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

He...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

He-

(PAUSE)

INTERVIEWER

Aeschylus, if I am to help you, you must tell me.

AESCHYLUS

I'm scared.

INTERVIEWER

Of me?

AESCHYLUS

This would be easier without them.

INTERVIEWER

The CHORUS ?

AESCHYLUS

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

I must say, I think that would make things easier...

(CHORUS MUTTERS IN PROTEST)

(TO THE CHORUS ) Would you mind...?

CHORUS LEADER

Fine fine…

CHORUS

His word is our command,

with Hermes speed we leave,

great Aeschylus and his

(with disdain) "guest",

so in somber solemn secret,

his story he may tell.

(PAUSE)

CHORUS LEADER

Right, come on boys, meeting tonight!

(CHORUS LEAVES)

INTERVIEWER

What?

AESCHYLUS

(SNIFFS) Smells better now that they've gone doesn't it?

INTERVIEWER

It does! I think you owe the goat an apology.

AESCHYLUS

Flailing your arms and declaiming all day must make you very sweaty...

INTERVIEWER

But speaking of goats...

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

Ah, you'll take him!

INTERVIEWER

No, no, nonono, too much headbutting. I meant will you finally tell me how Theodoros reacted to your new play?

AESCHYLUS

Oh. He...

INTERVIEWER

Go on.

AESCHYLUS

wept.

INTERVIEWER

That is to be expected.

AESCHYLUS

With laughter!

(PAUSE)

INTERVIEWER

Laughter?!

AESCHYLUS

Laughter.

Fell off his chair, rolled around on the floor, tears streaming down his face.

INTERVIEWER

B- But you said the play is great!

AESCHYLUS

I believe it is.

INTERVIEWER

And you said you trust Theodoros' reactions!

AESCHYLUS

I do.

INTERVIEWER

But he laughed at your play! He was mocking you!

AESCHYLUS

No, not mocking.

INTERVIEWER

He thought your play was ridiculous!

AESCHYLUS

Ridiculous, yes. That was the word he used.

INTERVIEWER

I... I don't understand!

AESCHYLUS

He said it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever read. And the most true.

INTERVIEWER

Right. What is this play about?

AESCHYLUS

A world in which everyone who lies sprouts horns and begins to bleat.

INTERVIEWER

(LAUGHS)

AESCHYLUS

No! No! Now you're doing it!

INTERVIEWER

(STOPS LAUGHING) That's good! I mean, I’m sorry. But...

AESCHYLUS

It is a very serious subject!

INTERVEIWER

Hmhm.

AESCHYLUS

The main characters are based on Athenian aristocrats and philosophers! I wanted to write about how headstrong and stubborn they are. And this led me to depict them as...

INTERVIEWER

Goats! (STIFLES A LAUGH)

AESCHYLUS

Yes.

INTERVIEWER

Sorry. An excellent premise for a satyr!

AESCHYLUS

But that is the problem...

INTERVIEWER

What?

AESCHYLUS

It isn't a satyr.

INTERVIEWER

No?

AESCHYLUS

No.

CHORUS

NO!

(AESCHYLUS AND THE INTERVIEWER JUMP)

INTERVIEWER

Where did you come from? You just left!

CHORUS

We are everywhere. See everything. Hear everything.

AESCHYLUS

Oh for the love of the gods...

INTERVIEWER

Then explain to me please, what is wrong with this new satyr?

AESCHYLUS

I just told you, it is not a satyr!

INTERVIEWER

Yes I know it is not a satyr? But if it makes you laugh then surely it is a -

CHORUS LEADER

A satyr's a mere accompaniment,

to rinse the terror stricken soul, to cleanse with mirth and laughter,

the shaken nerves and tortured mind,

to restore balance, calm and serenity,

after the harrowing spectacle of tragedy.

INTERVIEWER

Right... Whereas The Goats is...

AESCHYLUS

It's a full-length play! A play about serious themes! It is no mere palate cleanser!

INTERVIEWER

But like a satyr it uses jokes and absurdity?

AESCHYLUS

I... I suppose it does, but...

INTERVIEWER

You suppose?

AESCHYLUS

Fine. It does. And it uses them very effectively!

INTERVIEWER

Yes... as Theodoros' reaction proved.

AESCHYLUS

But I wasn't intending to write a satyr... I was intending to write about truth and lies and pomposity. I followed the voice of Dionysus and I ended up writing... a... a... I don't know what it is! But it must never be performed!

INTERVIEWER

Why ever not?

CHORUS

Expectations and duty!

INTERVIEWER

Excuse me?

CHORUS

Aeschylus is the Father of Tragedy!

AESCHYLUS

I am the founder of drama. I gave tragedy its form. Sophocles, Euripides, all the others ees, they follow the structures that I created.

INTERVIEWER

That is a great achievement, but -

AESCHYLUS (CON’T)

But this new play, it is a perversion of these rules!

CHORUS

We must agree!

We cannot be silent;

We cannot be idle;

We cannot let Aeschylus

CHORUS LEADER(CON’T)

tarnish his name, embarrass his art,

CHORUS (CON’T) soil his legacy.

INTERVIEWER

I think you are wrong! Why can't you try something new?

AESCHYLUS

It would be a betrayal!

INTERVIEWER

A betrayal of whom?

AESCHYLUS

Of the form I have invented!

INTERVIEWER

And that form is now keeping you hostage? You don't think you can... transcend it?

AESCHYLUS

There is nothing to transcend. It is perfect. The Orestia is its pinnacle.

INTERVIEWER

But you said yourself, this new play you have written, it is a great play...

AESCHYLUS

(CONFUSED) But it is not a tragedy...

INTERVIEWER

No, it is not. But you were following your inspiration...

AESCHYLUS

Yes! Yes, I follow the voice of Dionysus, I follow it wherever it leads! But Dionysus has played a prank on me! Dionysus, I am onto you, you drunken prankster!

CHORUS LEADER

The play must never see the light of day!

CHORUS

Nay!

CHORUS LEADER

Lest poor Aeschylus is mocked and shamed!

CHORUS

Ay!

CHORUS LEADER

His sanity questioned, his life's work sullied!

CHORUS

Oh woe!

AESCHYLUS

It is too late for that.

CHORUS

How so?

AESCHYLUS

Theodoros refuses to give back the manuscript.

CHORUS

Oh no!

INTERVIEWER

Why?

AESCHYLUS

So he can blackmail me.

INTERVIEWER

What does he want?

AESCHYLUS

He wants me to write a new tragic trilogy based on his ideas... and those ideas...

INTERVIEWER

Stink.

(THE GOAT BLEATS. AESCHYLUS GROANS)

So what are these ideas?

AESCHYLUS

He wants to write a trilogy about nothing!

INTERVIEWER

Nothing?

AESCHYLUS

Yes! He says it would be a "mirror of real life"! That it would be "relatable"! "A slice of life" he calls it!

INTERVIEWER

About nothing? That sounds booooring!

AESCHYLUS

Yes! As tedious as Theodorus' tedious life!

INTERVIEWER

But if you refuse to write his plays...

AESCHYLUS

He will show the world that Aeschylus has turned his back on his art form, negated everything he stood for.

(INTERVIEWER WINCES)

I cannot live with the threat of this play's exposure hanging over me... And I cannot bear to write Theodoros' drab plays...

INTERVIEWER

Which is why you want to die.

AESCHYLUS

Yes! I need to solidify my legacy before it can be tarnished. The Orestia must be my final work!

INTERVIEWER

But what if Theodoros releases The Goats after your death?

AESCHYLUS

They will think he wrote it himself and is trying to pass it off as the great tragedian's last play. But nobody will believe him.

INTERVIEWER

Hmm. What about your new life? What new identity would you adopt?

AESCHYLUS

Oh, I must continue as a tragedian! Telling stories is all I have ever wanted to do!

CHORUS

A soldier of tragedy,

a warrior of words,

a martyr to art!

INTERVIEWER

(FLOUNDERS)

AESCHYLUS

What?

INTERVIEWER

You cannot simply continue your old life.

AESCHYLUS

Whyever not?

INTERVIEWER

Because you will be dead.

AESCHYLUS

Yes, but it's a fake death...

INTERVIEWER

Even fake death causes a rupture. You cannot simply continue where you left off.

AESCHYLUS

What do you mean?

INTERVIEWER

Alright, uhm. Let’s just say we bring you back as a tragedian...

AESCHYLUS

Yes!

INTERVIEWER

It will take years, maybe decades before you achieve the status you have now. Before you can make a living, are respected, invited to the Dionysia. You will no longer be the Father of Tragedy, you will simply be a newcomer imitating the great man's style.

AESCHYLUS

I am not worried. The voice of Dionysus rings clear in my head.

INTERVIEWER

You mean you already have an idea for a future play?

AESCHYLUS

Oh! Many ideas! I will quickly prove myself!

INTERVIEWER

Tell me about your ideas...

AESCHYLUS

Alright... a play about men imitating the gods. It is called The Birds!

(CONFUSED CHORUS MUTTERING)

INTERVIEWER

The Birds.

AESCHYLUS

It is a story about Pisthetaerus, a middle-aged Athenian, who persuades the birds to stop flying about like simpletons and instead build a great city in the sky! A city called Cloud Cuckoo Land that lies between Earth and Mount Olympus. This way the birds can control all communications between men and gods! Pisthetaerus transforms into a bird-like god figure, attempting to replace Zeus!

CHORUS LEADER

(IN THE BACKGROUND) Alright but I won’t be wearing a beak-

INTERVIEWER

A wonderful idea!

AESCHYLUS

You think?

INTERVIEWER

Funny and fantastical!

AESCHYLUS

Funny... fantastical... yes... I suppose...

INTERVIEWER

But most certainly not a tragedy.

AESCHYLUS

You... you... you are right...

(PAUSE)

What about this: a play about the justice system! It is called: The Wasps and it is about a man who is so addicted to jury service, that his son builds a court of law in his house, and fills it with household objects. Witnesses for the defence include a bowl, a pestle, a cheese-grater, a brazier and a pot.

INTERVIEWER

(LAUGHS) And why The Wasps?

AESCHYLUS

A metaphor for the acrimonious, stinging temper of Athenian society.

INTERVIEWER

Clever.

AESCHYLUS

Oh and also because the CHORUS will be dressed up as wasps.

(THE INTERVIEWER LAUGHS AT THIS)

CHORUS

What?! We must protest!!

(SO MANY PROTEST SOUNDS)

INTERVIEWER

As must I! Aeschylus, this play sounds great, but it is hardly a tragedy!

AESCHYLUS

You are right... you are right... Well what about this: The Frogs...

CHORUS

(SIGH) We must -

INTERVIEWER

Let him continue!

CHORUS

(GRUMBLE)

AESCHYLUS

A play about Dionysus himself! He travels to the underworld, while a CHORUS of frogs croaks -

CHORUS

WE MUST PROTEST!

INTERVIEWER

Fair enough. Yes, fair enough.

(LAUGHS)

Aeschylus, do you have any ideas for plays that are... not animal related?

AESCHYLUS

(THINKS)

INTERVIEWER

Well?

AESCHYLUS

Yes!

CHORUS

(A GREAT SIGH OF RELIEF)

AESCHYLUS

Yes! Yes, 6here is an idea that has been singing in my mind for some time...

INTERVIEWER

Wonderful. Let's hear it.

AESCHYLUS

A play about war and peace, about sexual relations in a male-dominated society...

INTERVIEWER

Oh, big themes indeed!

AESCHYLUS

It is called Lysistrata.

CHORUS

Lysistrata!

INTERVIEWER

Lysistrata… A promising title...

CHORUS LEADER

Tell us oh Aeschylus,

tell us of Lysistrata!

CHORUS

What tragic fate awaits,

this fearsome woman hero?

CHORUS LEADER

As Antigone she defies,

her uncle Creon's decree?

As cunning Clytemnestra,

her husband she does kill?

CHORUS

As murderous Medea,

her children she does stab?

AESCHYLUS

She ends a war!

CHORUS

Oh noble Lysistrata!

INTERVIEWER

How does she end this war?

AESCHYLUS

By denying all men of the land sex.

INTERVIEWER

(SNORTS)

CHORUS LEADER

What?

INTERVIWER

What?

CHORUS

What?!

AESCHYLUS

Lysistrata persuades all the women of two warring cities to withhold sex from their husbands and lovers, until the men manage to negotiate peace.

CHORUS

(Chuckle)

INTERVIEWER

Aeschylus...

AESCHYLUS

What?

CHORUS LEADER

Excuse me?

(SO MUCH STIFLED LAUGHTER)

INTERVIEWER

Aeschylus, you tell me.

AESCHYLUS

It's not a tragedy is it...

INTERVIEWER

No.

AESCHYLUS

(GROANS)

INTERVIEWER

(LAUGHS) But it's funny! I mean, even the chorus laughed!

CHORUS

We did not!

INTERVIEWER

Now, look. It's a great premise. And topical too... I do believe it contains the seeds for a true masterpiece...

CHORUS LEADER

This tale of Lysistrata,

amusing as may be,

is a perfidious perversion,

of the laws of tragedy.

CHORUS

(MUMBLE IN AGREEMENT)

INTERVIEWER

I agree. It is not a tragedy.

AESCHYLUS

But it is not a satyr either!

INTERVIEWER

It is not a satyr either.

AESCHYLUS

Then... What is it?

INTERVIEWER

Something new.

CHORUS

(BOOS)

INTERVIEWER

Now stop it! Listen Aeschylus, I have a theory.

AESCHYLUS

Tell me! Tell me, what is it?

INTERVIEWER

You said that with The Orestia you had reached the pinnacle of the tragic form, is that not so?

AESCHYLUS

Indeed. It is my greatest work.

INTERVIEWER

Yes. It was a devastating show.

AESCHYLUS

Thank you.

INTERVIEWER

You have honed the blade of tragedy to a razor-sharp point, and now there is nowhere left to go...

AESCHYLUS

Go on...

INTERVIEWER

Which is why the voice of Dionysus is leading you down new paths... Yes!

AESCHYLUS

Interesting...

INTERVIEWER

Yes, you mustn't think of this as a failure, but as an achievement! It doesn't demonstrate a weakness in the tragic form, rather, you have taken that form to its conclusion, to the peak of its powers, and now it is time to invent... a new form of drama...

AESCHYLUS

A new form of drama...

CHORUS

We must protest!

AESCHYLUS

Oh do be quiet!

CHORUS

But -

AESCHYLUS

I'm thinking!

CHORUS

(SHUFFLE IMPATIENTLY)

AESCHYLUS

I can't do it.

CHORUS

(SIGH WITH RELIEF)

INTERVIEWER

(SIGHS WITH FRUSTRATION)

CHORUS

(TRIUMPHANT) Aeschylus is the Father of Tragedy!

INTERVIEWER

(DEFIANT) Aeschylus is the founder of drama and must follow his inner voice wherever it leads!

AESCHYLUS

You are both right!

INTERVIEWER

Huh?

CHORUS

Huh?

AESCHYLUS

Aeschylus must stay true to the form he has invented. If Aeschylus breaks the form, audiences will be confused. The judges of the Dionysia will think I have lost my marbles and exclude me from future competitions.

INTERVIEWER

Maybe they are not as narrow minded as you think -

AESCHYLUS (CON’T)

And even if they do appreciate the new plays, what if this makes them reassess my old work? What if they think I was trying to be funny all along?

INTERVIEWER

I hardly think -

AESCHYLUS (CON’T)

Aeschylus must always remain The Father of Tragedy.

CHORUS

Hooray!

AESCHYLUS

But after you have faked my death...

CHORUS

(OUT OF SYNC) What? We must protest!

AESCHYLUS

I will become...

INTERVIEWER

Yes?

AESCHYLUS

The Father of... Comedy! (PRONOUNCED COUME-DY)

CHORUS LEADER

It’ll never catch on…

INTERVIEWER

(TRYING OUT THE WORD) Comedy... Comedy... Ha, I like it! Tell me more about this new form, this "comedy."

AESCHYLUS

You know what 'tragedy' means?

INTERVIEWER

The song of the goat.

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

AESCHYLUS

Comedy will be the song of the komos!

INTERVIEWER

Komos?

AESCHYLUS

It means "festival"! The comedy will be the song of revels and celebration!

In comedy I will talk about serious subjects, but in a light and entertaining way. Comedies will contain everything: Buffoonery! Puns! Invented words! Obscenities! Absurd plots!

INTERVIEWER

Yes!

AESCHYLUS

All told in a strict dramatic structure and in disciplined verse, with haunting, beautiful lyrics! In comedy, the heroes will devise fanciful escapes from their intolerable predicaments! I will let the voice of Dionysus flow through me unrestrained, I will ignore impossibilities and bring fantastical situations to their absurd conclusions!

INTERVIEWER

Well twist my tunic! I am excited! It will be a great new art form!

AESCHYLUS

I am excited too! What should my new name be?

INTERVIEWER

Hmm... We should give people the immediate feeling that you're good at what you do - even before you've written a word. That will make it easier to enter the contests and get to know the right crowd. You must hit the ground running... hmm... a name, a name, a name... tricky…

CHORUS LEADER

He Who Appears Best.

INTERVIEWER

What?

CHORUS

He Who Appears Best.

INTERVIEWER

"He Who Appears Best?" Thank you for the input. That's not a name!

CHORUS

Actually, in Greek it is.

INTERVIEWER

What?

CHORUS

Aristos-phanes.

INTERVIEWER

Huh.

AESCHYLUS

(TRYING IT OUT FOR SIZE)

Aristos-phanes. Aristophanes... Aristophanes...

The Birds by Aristophanes...

The Wasps by Aristophanes...

The Frogs by Aristophanes...

Lysistrata by Aristophanes...

Yes! Yes, by the gods it works! Aristophanes!

INTERVIEWER

Aristophanes. Nice! Thank you CHORUS , that was actually very helpful.

CHORUS

We're not saying we approve.

INTERVIEWER

So now we just have to decide on a death... Any requests?

CHORUS

Man does not decide the means of death.

INTERVIEWER

Oh, but I do!

CHORUS

The destiny of man is determined by fate!

AESCHYLUS

They are right. Again.

INTERVIEWER

What?

AESCHYLUS

My death has been preordained.

INTERVIEWER

Excuse me?

AESCHYLUS

It was predicted by The Oracle of Delphi. Everyone in Athens knows about it. We must stick to fate's template.

INTERVIEWER

I see... So what did the Oracle say? How will you die?

CHORUS

An object will come crashing,

with terrible speed and force,

on the great tragedians head,

robbing us for ever more,

of his cruel cathartic words.

INTERVIEWER

Interesting. What kind of object?

AESCHYLUS

The oracle didn't say. She likes to keep things vague.

INTERVIEWER

But everyone in Athens knows about it you said?

AESCHYLUS

Well yes, you see, after visiting the Oracle of Delphi I was really spooked...

INTERVIEWER

Understandable.

AESCHYLUS (CON’T)

...and developed some rather peculiar habits...

INTERVIEWER

What kind of habits?

AESCHYLUS

It's silly really...

INTERVIEWER

Go on.

AESCHYLUS

Well, I was terrified of being killed by a falling vase or a piece of ceiling coming loose. For months I lived outdoors, refused to cross a single threshold. Wrote outdoors, ate outdoors, slept outdoors. I avoided trees and steep cliffs, stayed only in open landscapes.

INTERVIEWER

When did this change? You agreed to meet me in this room after all.

AESCHYLUS

Well, one night, shivering in a muddy field, I decided this was ridiculous! Trying to avoid a falling object, I was on the verge of killing myself with the flu! So, I went inside, lit a fire, and haven't looked back since.

INTERVIEWER

Though I do notice you keep your amphora on the floor... and have no shelves on the walls.

AESCHYLUS

Well. Better be prudent.

INTERVIEWER

Quite. Anyway, this is wonderful!

AESCHYLUS

It is?

INTERVIEWER

We can use the oracle's prediction. A death should always mean something, don't you agree?

AESCHYLUS

Yet most deaths don't.

INTERVIEWER

But yours can! This death - it gives us the opportunity to combine the tragic and the comic! Hm? To mark your passing from one form to another!

AESCHYLUS

You have something in mind?

INTERVIEWER

Yes! We will spread the word that the prophecy haunts you once again, that you have returned to frequenting only open spaces. But fate will send an object falling from the sky!

AESCHYLUS

From the sky?

INTERVIEWER

From the sky, yes! Fulfilling the prophecy! Because as we know, man cannot escape his fate! A most fitting death for a tragedian!

AESCHYLUS

Certainly. But you said my death should combine the tragic and the... comic.

INTERVIEWER

Yes! You see, the thing that kills you, is something entirely ridiculous! Something befitting a man of jokes and absurdity!

AESCHYLUS

A double death - or rather, a single death, with a double meaning!

INTERVIEWER

An ironic death!

AESCHYLUS

I like it! So what falls on me?

INTERVIEWER

Well, I mean. That is the question...

CHORUS

Aeschylus, we implore you!

Do not go down this path!

CHORUS LEADER

Did Zeus not warn us once,

when he struck to impotence,

Asclepius, who in truth

charmed back the dead men?

CHORUS

The gods have so ordained,

that fate stands against fate,

to check any man's excess.

INTERVIEWER

Oh do be quiet! We're thinking and you’re not helping! What could fall on you, what could fall on you... Uhm... An... Uh... Oh! A pegasus!

CHORUS

A Pegasus?!

AESCHYLUS

A flying horse?

INTERVIEWER

Yes! A horse is huge! Sure to kill you!

AESCHYLUS

Do you know where to find one?

INTERVIEWER

Well. Uhm... my partner could make one... Unless they already exist? Do they exist?

AESCHYLUS

I don't think so... Why would the pegasus fall out of the sky?

INTERVIEWER

Well, I mean. Because... Uh... It would, with the feathers, I mean… Oh, a kraken came and- No, nah, nevermind, this would require a really long backstory. No, forget it. Perhaps we better choose something else. A stroke of lightning? Not that funny... And lightning doesn't really fall, does it? I mean, it… It doesn't fulfil the prophecy. An apple?

AESCHYLUS

Wouldn't kill me.

INTERVIEWER

A phallus?

CHORUS

A phallus??

AESCHYLUS

Wouldn't kill me either.

INTERVIEWER

A four-foot phallus!

CHORUS

A four-foot phallus?!

CHORUS LEADER

(SOFTLY) Where would you find one?

AESCHYLUS

Might kill me, but why is it falling out of the sky?

INTERVIEWER

Right.

AESCHYLUS

How about an albatross?

INTERVIEWER

Haha! A great big albatross flopping down on your head! What a sight!

AESCHYLUS

Exactly! But again we need to know why it's falling... Maybe it has been shot with an arrow...?

INTERVIEWER

Maybe... or... or... Got it!

AESCHYLUS

Yes?

INTERVIEWER

I have found a death for you!

AESCHYLUS

What?

INTERVIEWER

Have you ever seen an eagle eat a tortoise?

AESCHYLUS

What? Eagles eat tortoises? Isn't the shell too hard?

INTERVIEWER

Indeed! Which is why they carry the tortoise as high as they can, then drop it on a stone for the shell to shatter!

AESCHYLUS

Alright...

INTERVIEWER

Only this eagle...

AESCHYLUS

Yes...

INTERVIEWER (CON’T)

Mistakes your head for a rock!

(AESCHYLUS LAUGHS A BIG BELLY LAUGH)

AESCHYLUS

That's great! I couldn't have written it better myself!

INTERVIEWER

Oh, you’re too kind!

CHORUS

We must protest!

INTERVIEWER

What is it now?

CHORUS LEADER

You would sacrifice an innocent tortoise, your godless ends to meet?

CHORUS

mutter with disdain

INTERVIEWER

The tortoise won't die! Hitting Aeschylus's head will soften the landing.

CHORUS

Oh. Well. That's alright then.

INTERVIEWER

So, we have a plan? Death by falling tortoise! Then we bring you back as a new dramatist -

AESCHYLUS

Ah ah ah! Comedian!

INTERVIEWER

Indeed. Aristophanes. A great comedian whose plays will tickle and delight! Well, this has been a pleasure.

AESCHYLUS

Um... We haven't discussed payment. I assume your services are not free?

INTERVIEWER

Oh! Death by nose-diving reptile had me so excited that I completely forgot. What do you have in way of means?

AESCHYLUS

Very little. Writing plays for a living is a blessing but does not make you rich.

INTERVIEWER

Right.

AESCHYLUS (CON’T)

I spend all year writing a single trilogy. Then comes the competition to make it all worthwhile, but the prize...

(THE GOAT BLEATS)

INTERVIEWER

Right.

AESCHYLUS

I make goat's cheese, I drink goat's milk, my clothes are woven from goat's hair...

INTERVIEWER

Itchy… So all you can offer me is...

AESCHYLUS

Thirteen goats.

INTERVIEWER

Thirteen?!

AESCHYLUS

That's how many times I've won the contest.

INTERVIEWER

Well, I suppose I could start a goat farm? Or could ask somebody too start it for me… Can’t stand the smell, really.

AESCHYLUS

They're good goats.

INTERVIEWER

Ah, I’m sure. (SIGHS) I will take the goats.

AESCHYLUS

Excellent. Look out for Sophocles.

INTERVIEWER

Sophocles?

AESCHYLUS

Sophocles will have his way with anything that moves. I once saw him running after a leaf, trying to fornicate.

INTERVIEWER

Sophocles?! Really?! Huh…

AESCHYLUS

Oh, no, the goat. I've named them after my competitors.

INTERVIEWER

Oh oh, right. Clever. Are you sure you won't need your goats for inspiration?

AESCHYLUS

If I run out of ideas, I come visit your goat farm, eh? (LAUGHS)

INTERVIEWER

Yes, right, you’d be welcome! You know, we should seal the deal! Time to empty that amphora?

AESCHYLUS

But of course!

(AESCHYLUS LIFTS THE AMPHORA FROM THE FLOOR AND POURS TWO GOBLETS OF WINE)

To fulfilling fates!

INTERVIEWER

To trage-

AESCHYLUS

To comedy!

INTERVIEWER

To great drama!

(THEY DRINK)

INTERVIEWER

That hits the spot,

CHORUS

Can we have some?

AESCHYLUS

Yeah, I suppose, why not – come here.

(AESCHYLUS AND THE INTERVIEWER START POURING AND PASSING AROUND GOBLETS FOR THE CHORUS . MUTTERING)

(THE CREDITS MUSIC FADES IN)

PIP

Stay tuned for the epilogue, but first the credits.

The Amelia Project is a production of Imploding Fictions.

This episode featured Alan Burgon as the Interviewer, Dino Kelly as Aeschylus, Hemi Yeroham as Kozlowski, Tim Meredith, Rhys Lawton, Adam Courting and Nathan Peter Grassi as the chorus, and Felix Trench as the chorus leader.

The episode was written by Oystein Brager and Philip Thorne, with dialogue editing by Philip Thorne, sound design by Paul Kraner, music by Fredrik Baden, graphic design by Anders Pedersen and production assistance by Maty Parzival.

The chorus was recorded at Soho Sonic in London, with engineering by Beth Grainger.

We are indebted to our patrons, whose generosity keeps this show alive. If you’d like to join their magnanimous ranks by chipping in with a few pounds or euros or dollars or gold doubloons a month, we’d be really grateful. It also means you’ll be able to get all episodes ad-free, new episodes a month early, and there’s a bunch of bonus content, for example we’ve just published our first bonus graphic novel short story Ruby Mariner. For all that go to ameliapodcast.com and click on support the show.

Thanks to all our current patrons, and a shoutout to our superpatrons, that’s …

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Without you this podcast would disappear and reappear as a How-to you tube series where we teach you how to fake your death by buying useless cosmetics.

And now, the epilogue.

EPILOGUE

CHORUS

Hark!

CHORUS LEADER

What footsteps do we hear?

CHORUS

Behold!

CHORUS LEADER

The footsteps of a man

with lightness in his gait.

CHORUS

Behold Aeschylus!

CHORUS LEADER

No, it's not Aeschylus anymore!

CHORUS

Oh, sorry, we got that wrong.

Behold Aristophanes!

CHORUS LEADER

His forehead joyfully refashioned,

cheeks rosy with happiness,

eyes filled with relief!

CHORUS

Aesch...ristophanes! Father of Comedy! We salute you!

CHORUS LEADER

Like ointment are your words,

delighting our senses,

soothing our soul,

invigorating our hearts,

making our diaphragms

shake with laughter!

CHORUS

Behold Aesch - Aristophanes!

CHORUS LEADER

Your name strikes the discant

to the plainsong of the gods!

Though comedy is your daughter,

she is also the mother

of your joyous rebirth!

CHORUS

Behold Aristophanes!

CHORUS LEADER

You got it right that time!

CHORUS

Rejoice!

CHORUS LEADER

It came to be as it was prophesied:

The great tragedian met unyielding fate.

Yet with the help of a brotherhood,

wielding the power of the firebird,

The fate of Aeschylus was refashioned and re-purposed!

CHORUS

There is no end

that cannot be

a new beginning!