©Damen, 2009

Classical Drama and Theatre

This makes it important to put his work into context and note that his quips, while often spicy, never simply or gratuitously refer to sex without some dramatic motivation. Aristophanes' attitude towards sex is not that of a puritan indulging a prurient fetish but one of childlike delight in the sheer joy of life and love-making. Those who are shocked by Aristophanes' humor miss the point. What he jokes about is what he believes his audience will see as the rewards of living life and working hard, that is, good food and good sex. Bringing into the theatre a relaxed attitude about these things helps enormously in the enjoyment and appreciation of his plays.

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