"Βασιλεύς Σταρχιδαγόρας" ("King Starchidagoras"), written in modern greek, offers readers a contemporary Aristophanic comedy that combines the bold humor of ancient Greek satire with relevant social concerns. Inspired by the classic comedies of Aristophanes, the work follows the adventures of its eponymous antihero, as he attempts to save his city from the curse of Aphrodite while preserving his male honor.
In this parody, most structural elements of Aristophanic comedy are maintained, excluding the "Parabasis," while the work is enriched with modern allusions and social commentary. Through rich use of sharp dialogues, vulgar vocabulary, and overt sexual references, the play continues the tradition of Attic comedy, daring to satirize everything from political power to religion and social taboos.
Starchidagoras' journey to the Underworld, his encounters with Pluto and Persephone, and his quest for the First Phallus serve as a metaphorical representation of the modern man's struggle to reconcile with his own sexuality and deeper desires. The descent into Hades transforms into a path of self-discovery, with the protagonist overcoming his initial arrogance and discovering the true value of dedication and self-sacrifice.
This comedy seeks to revive the tradition of Greek satire, in an era when political correctness often restricts freedom of expression. Through the characters of Starchidagoras, Λαγνοκράτεια, Kaυχησίμαχος, and others, the work critiques both timeless human weaknesses and contemporary social phenomena —from hypocrisy and vanity to feminist and progressive trends that sometimes go to extremes.
Readers will find in "King Starchidagoras" a reading which combines laughter with thought-provoking insights. Following the Aristophanic tradition, the play does not hesitate to provoke and shock, while also providing a deeper understanding of the human condition. Its language is direct and vibrant, filled with puns and coarse expressions that recall the way Aristophanes satirized Athenian society over 2400 years ago.
It is worth noting that this work represents a significant shift from the author’s previous works, which primarily focused on Tragedy. As mentioned in the "Preface" of the play, the transition from tragedy to comedy reflects an effort to explore another facet of human experience —laughter instead of lamentation, satire instead of seriousness. In this work, readers will encounter a torrent of hilarious situations, daring dialogues and Choral Odes that pay homage to the long tradition of Greek comedy, adapted to the sensibilities and concerns of the modern era.
