3-074-795 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Birds" of Aristophanes, played at Cambridge University, 1883. 'The performance of "The Birds" of Aristophanes at Cambridge has proved that there are elements of humour in a comedy of the fifth century, B.C., which can appeal to a modern audience. The experiment must be pronounced entirely successful; the parts were well supported; and the actors seemed quite at home with the Greek. Mr. M. R. James succeeded in expressing the mingled humour and dignity of the character of Peithetairos, and was efficiently supported by Mr. H. A. Newton as Euelpides; while Mr. Maquay's singing of the songs incidental to the part of the Hoopoe was very well received@In the Second Act, in the clouds, the two Athenians, who have obtained wings, proceed to baptize their city Cloud-cuckootown'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.