Acharnians (Billson Translation) cover art

Acharnians (Billson Translation)

Acharnians (Billson Translation)

By: Aristophanes
Listen for free

About this listen

 Dive into the witty and irreverent world of Aristophanes with this vibrant translation of Acharnians. Filled with clever inside jokes and double entendres, this early comedy tackles a timeless anti-war theme that echoes through the ages. Meet Dicæopolis, the Everyman who has grown weary of Athens endless conflicts, instigated by greedy politicians. In a bold move, he strikes a separate peace with Sparta, securing a treaty for thirty years. As his fellow Athenians envy his good fortune and seek to profit from his peace, Dicæopolis revels in his cleverness, ultimately lampooning the bumbling General Lamachus and his hollow displays of patriotism. This translation by Charles James Billson captures the essence of Aristophanes, albeit with some of the more risqué elements edited out due to the constraints of his time. Billson compensates for this by infusing the play with lively rhyme schemes and slang from the burlesque halls of the 1880s, crafting a rendition that brings the humor of ancient Greece to life in a spirited performance.Copyright Family and Culture Drama & Plays
Episodes
  • 004 - Part III

    004 - Part III
    Feb 13 2026
    Dive into the witty and irreverent world of Aristophanes with this vibrant translation of Acharnians. Filled with clever inside jokes and double entendres, this early comedy tackles a timeless anti-war theme that echoes through the ages. Meet Dicæopolis, the Everyman who has grown weary of Athens endless conflicts, instigated by greedy politicians. In a bold move, he strikes a separate peace with Sparta, securing a treaty for thirty years. As his fellow Athenians envy his good fortune and seek to profit from his peace, Dicæopolis revels in his cleverness, ultimately lampooning the bumbling General Lamachus and his hollow displays of patriotism. This translation by Charles James Billson captures the essence of Aristophanes, albeit with some of the more risqué elements edited out due to the constraints of his time. Billson compensates for this by infusing the play with lively rhyme schemes and slang from the burlesque halls of the 1880s, crafting a rendition that brings the humor of ancient Greece to life in a spirited performance.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • 003 - Part II

    003 - Part II
    Feb 13 2026
    Dive into the witty and irreverent world of Aristophanes with this vibrant translation of Acharnians. Filled with clever inside jokes and double entendres, this early comedy tackles a timeless anti-war theme that echoes through the ages. Meet Dicæopolis, the Everyman who has grown weary of Athens endless conflicts, instigated by greedy politicians. In a bold move, he strikes a separate peace with Sparta, securing a treaty for thirty years. As his fellow Athenians envy his good fortune and seek to profit from his peace, Dicæopolis revels in his cleverness, ultimately lampooning the bumbling General Lamachus and his hollow displays of patriotism. This translation by Charles James Billson captures the essence of Aristophanes, albeit with some of the more risqué elements edited out due to the constraints of his time. Billson compensates for this by infusing the play with lively rhyme schemes and slang from the burlesque halls of the 1880s, crafting a rendition that brings the humor of ancient Greece to life in a spirited performance.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 002 - Part I

    002 - Part I
    Feb 13 2026
    Dive into the witty and irreverent world of Aristophanes with this vibrant translation of Acharnians. Filled with clever inside jokes and double entendres, this early comedy tackles a timeless anti-war theme that echoes through the ages. Meet Dicæopolis, the Everyman who has grown weary of Athens endless conflicts, instigated by greedy politicians. In a bold move, he strikes a separate peace with Sparta, securing a treaty for thirty years. As his fellow Athenians envy his good fortune and seek to profit from his peace, Dicæopolis revels in his cleverness, ultimately lampooning the bumbling General Lamachus and his hollow displays of patriotism. This translation by Charles James Billson captures the essence of Aristophanes, albeit with some of the more risqué elements edited out due to the constraints of his time. Billson compensates for this by infusing the play with lively rhyme schemes and slang from the burlesque halls of the 1880s, crafting a rendition that brings the humor of ancient Greece to life in a spirited performance.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.