Aristophanes' comedy about Bacchus, Hercules, and an unbelievably cute chorus of frogs was written in 405 BC. This one-act was adapted from the first half of the 5-act original.

Greece was left without a first-rate tragic poet, so Bacchus set out for Hades to find Euripides. The trip is a fearful one, and Bacchus, one of the less godly gods, dies a thousand comic deaths along the way. Unfortunately, nearly all of Aristophanes' allusions to the writers of his day are meaningless to modern audiences. To simulate the author's satirical stabs at the inferior poets of Ancient Greece, we have replaced the Grecian literary allusions with references to current television programs and popular songs. This is not an attempt to rewrite an immortal classic, but rather an effort to help modern audiences (especially young ones who may have a tendency to regard classics as stuffy) to understand Aristophanes' satire. Directors have permission to update the references.

A delightful introduction to Greek comedy and an outstanding contest play for high schools, junior highs and colleges. Bare stage; Greek mythological costumes; a cast that may include 20 or more; detailed but simple choreography for a Frog Chorus. A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business. The Director's Script gives pages and pages of suggestions for making The Frogs a delightful theatre experience—as it has been for more than 2000 years.

"Have seen your adaptation of FROGS and think it is hilarious."—Quincy, Illinois. "I am having a ball directing The Frogs. There is more interest in this play than any we have ever presented."—Madisonville, Texas. "The Frogs was a tremendous success."—Jen Southworth, Central Kitsap High School, Silverdale, Wash. "We had a great time doing The Frogs— the entire Play Production Class was in it."—Chris Myers, Plymouth High School, Plymouth, N. Car. "We love the show and are doing it twice more by popular demand."—Waco, Texas"Plays for the junior high level are usually trite and unworthy of a director's time. Your adaptation of The Frogs is so delightful."—Glencoe, Illinois.

Other Clark adaptations of ancient scripts: Gammer Gurton's Needle, The Narrenschneiden, Phaedra, Ralph Roister Doister

See also: Beowulf, A Canterbury Tale From the Wife of Bath, The Sheep Thief, The Trouble with Midas