Marketing and Communications

March 21, 2006

Clark student spring production for 'The Birds

Aristophanes' play called a parable on exporting democracy

Worcester, Mass. - Clark University students will perform Aristophanes' "The Birds," Wednesday through Saturday, April 5 - 8 and April 12 - 15. All performances begin at 8 p.m., in Clark's Little Center Theater. Admission is $5; free with a current Clark ID.

First performed in 414 BC, Aristophanes' "The Birds" concerns two men who tire of the endless bickering and corrupt politics in their home city and leave to create a Utopian democracy in the clouds. Although written in ancient Greece, the play is a relevant and modern parable of the dangers and pitfalls of "exporting democracy."

"The Birds" is filled with off-kilter characters, pop-culture references, filthy humor, and catchy tunes. Please note that this play is not suitable for children.

Mark Sutch, member of the Actors Equity Association and the Society of Stage directors will direct the play. Sutch has taught theatre at Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. In the fall he will begin teaching full time at North Carolina's Davidson College.
Clark sophomore, Danny Balel, of Brookline, MA, plays Pisthetairos; freshman Dan Derks, of New Britain, CT, plays Euelpides.

This event is co-sponsored by the Theater Arts Program at Clark University and ClarkArts. For more information or to make reservations, please call 508-793-7356, or e-mail clarkarts@clarku.edu.