Ancient Roman theater in Mainz, Germany presents classical satire "The Birds"

The ancient Roman theater in Mainz recently staged a timeless musical adaptation of Aristophanes' comedy "The Birds," courtesy of the theater troupe "T.i.P." This satirical play, written by Aristophanes around 414 BC, is one of the most famous works by the Greek poet and is a witty commentary on ancient Athens.

In this adaptation, the realm where humans find a state is called "Cloudcuckooland," a state that bears a striking resemblance to the human world in many ways. The play features a diverse cast of characters, including Euelpides, Peisthetaria, a flamingo, penguin, chicken, and a priest.

Peisthetaria, played by Marie-Luise Thüne, takes on an interesting role in the production. She imposes taxes on the gods, ensuring that they pay their dues to receive the smoke of human sacrifices, a key element in the play. This tax collector's antics leave the gods, including Poseidon, thrilled as she guarantees them free borders and limitless business, sealing an alliance.

The play also includes a scene where the sublime suffer due to starvation and make a deal with Peisthetaria. The bird air patrol controls the sky, adding a whimsical touch to the production. The music in the play ranges from "Somewhere over the Rainbow" to love songs on the Lerchenberg, creating a delightful blend of old and new.

Kathrin Dohle, the president of the Invisible Roman Guard, praised the "Theater in the Roman province" for their performance of "The Birds." She officially crowned the seven actors of the troupe and awarded them seven orders from the invisible fire and liveliness of the Invisible Roman Guard. Dohle encouraged the troupe to be inspired by the birds of Aristophanes and to be rooted in Mainz and the theater.

Last year, the "Theater in the Roman Province" brought Molière's "Amphitryon" to the stage in Mainz, which was a huge success. With the success of "The Birds," it seems that the troupe is set to continue their streak of captivating performances.

As the play concluded, heavy rain fell over Mainz about half an hour after the end of the performance, adding a touch of the divine to the already enchanting production. Aristophanes' work, "The Birds," might be performed again in Mainz according to Marie-Luise Thüne, making it a must-see for those who missed this year's production.