This presentation of The Clouds by Aristophanes at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was part of this years Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme.
Aristophanes’ masterful comedy was first presented at the Great Dionysia in 423 BC and attacks Socrates’ teachings and the philosophical ideas of the time.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus underneath the Acropolis. Photograph: Why Athens
The elderly, largely uneducated Athenian, Strepsiades, is in debt thanks to the extravagant lifestyle led by his pampered son, Pheidippides. Strepsiades tries to convince him to enrol in Socrates’ Phrontisterion (place of reason and thinking), where he will be taught the difference between right and wrong and will learn to defend himself in court against his creditors.
When Pheidippides refuses to comply, Strepsiades enrols himself, despite his advanced age. There, impressed by the wealth of ideas he comes across, he asks to meet the master himself. Socrates appears and the induction ceremony of the elderly student begins. However, Strepsiades proves to be an inept student. Ultimately, Pheidippides succumbs to his father’s threats and is forced to enrol in the school.
Why Athens Tip: The Producer is yet to confirm whether this performance will be performed with English subtitles. We will update this information as soon as we have been informed.
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