The Eleven Comedies, Volume 1

The first volume brings together eleven of the only surviving works by the great Athenian comic master, freshly rendered into lively English. The translator’s foreword and detailed notes guide listeners through the bawdy wordplay, sharp political satire, and inventive stagecraft that made these plays the talk of ancient Athens. Though written over two thousand years ago, the humor feels strikingly contemporary, turning the foibles of democracy, war, and everyday life into uproarious spectacle.

In this collection you’ll encounter the boisterous clash of rival politicians in “The Knights,” the cynical take on warfare in “Peace,” and the legendary sex strike of “Lysistrata,” each packed with witty choruses and unforgettable characters. The playwright’s fearless lampooning of poets, generals, and demagogues offers a vivid portrait of a city both sophisticated and chaotic, while the clever use of riddles, songs, and absurd costumes keeps the action rolling. Listeners will find themselves laughing at ancient absurdities that echo modern debates, making these ancient farces as relevant as ever.