Company of Der Frieden. |
Aristophanes’ ancient Greek comedy, Peace, was brought to New York by a German-language company from
Munich, Die Brücke (The Bridge), in repertory with Büchner’s
Woyzeck. Well-known modern dramatist
Peter Hacks provided an effective adaptation for a lively production. Several
modern songs were interpolated into the comedy, but not much of the bawdy Greek
original’s structure was tampered with. Few critics took notice of it, however.
The plot of a vintner (Hans Putz) who journeys by flying
dung beetle to heaven to save the captive Peace was intact and was played on a
simple set to humorous effect. Masks and stylized costumes were employed.