Aristophane; Traduction nouvelle, tome second

In this lively ancient comedy, two disillusioned Athenians, Pisthéteros and Evelpides, set out to escape the bustle of their city and build an airborne metropolis called Nephelococcygia. Guided—or misled—by a chorus of birds, they argue with crows and jays, seeking a path that seems to vanish amid rocky wilderness. Their playful banter and absurd plans quickly attract the attention of divine beings and a host of eccentric characters.

As the fledgling city rises, the poets, priests, and lawmakers that once ruled Athens are cast out, replaced by avian deities who claim dominion over the world. The play teases the audience with witty wordplay, satirical commentary on politics and religion, and a chorus that mimics the very birds the protagonists adore. Listeners are drawn into a chaotic, sky‑bound satire that asks what truly defines civilization and freedom.