Amphitryo, Asinaria, Aulularia, Bacchides, Captivi Amphitryon, The Comedy of Asses, The Pot of Gold, The Two Bacchises, The Captives

This volume brings together five of Plautus’s most celebrated comedies, each paired with a concise scholarly introduction that traces their roots back to the Greek New Comedy. Listeners will learn how the Roman playwright reshaped the original plots, characters, and jokes to suit his own vibrant, bustling audience, while retaining the core wit that made the works endure.

The accompanying essays summarize current scholarly consensus on the Greek models, offering clear estimates of when the originals were first performed and the historical moments they reflect. By highlighting details such as the political allusions, social customs, and linguistic playfulness embedded in the texts, the commentary illuminates the cultural bridge between Greece and Rome without overwhelming the casual ear.

Ideal for anyone curious about the foundations of Western comedy, the collection invites listeners to hear ancient humor come alive, enriched by context that makes each scene feel both timeless and intriguingly specific to its era.