The Birds by Aristophanes

THE BIRDS differs markedly from all the other Comedies of Aristophanes which have come down to us in subject and general conception. It is just an extravaganza pure and simple--a graceful, whimsical theme chosen expressly for the sake of the opportunities it afforded of bright, amusing dialogue, pleasing lyrical interludes, and charming displays of brilliant stage effects and pretty dresses.

Aristophanes (c.446 BC - c.386 BC) was a comic playwright of ancient Athens.  Eleven of his approximately forty plays survive, providing modern understanding of the Old Comedy genre.  Little is known of his personal life.