Latin laughs
a production of Plautus' Poenulus
By: Titus Maccius Plautus, John H. Starks
About This Book
-- Introduction-- Exercises-- Translation-- Director's notes line by line-- Chapters on Roman comedy and cultural aspects of the play
AI Overview
"Latin Laughs: A Production of Plautus' Poenulus" is a book that presents an ancient Roman comedy, "Poenulus," by Titus Maccius Plautus, adapted and produced by John H. Starks. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Romance and Kidnapping: The play revolves around themes of romance, kidnapping, and a contest between a lover and a leno (a pimp).
- Social Commentary: It often includes commentary on social issues of the time, such as the role of women, the institution of marriage, and the complexities of relationships.
- Comedy and Satire: The play is a comedy that uses satire to critique societal norms and conventions.
Plot Summary
The plot of "Poenulus" involves a young man named Agorastocles who is kidnapped by a pimp named Ballio. Agorastocles is in love with a woman named Cratina, but she is already married to another man. The play follows the various attempts by Agorastocles to win Cratina's heart and escape from Ballio's clutches. The story is filled with comedic elements, including mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and clever wordplay.
Critical Reception
While specific critical reviews of the book "Latin Laughs" are not readily available, the original play "Poenulus" by Plautus has been widely studied and appreciated for its comedic genius and historical significance. The adaptation by John H. Starks likely aims to make the ancient comedy accessible to modern audiences, providing a "rollicking good time" as described in the book's promotional materials.
Publication Details
- Title: "Latin Laughs: A Production of Plautus' Poenulus"
- Author: John H. Starks (adapter and producer)
- Original Author: Titus Maccius Plautus
- Publisher: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
- Publication Date: January 1st, 1997 (paperback edition)
- Pages: 129 pages
The book is designed to be an educational resource, likely intended for use in classrooms or by individuals interested in classical literature and theater. The "Teacher's Edition" is also available, which includes additional materials for educational purposes.