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Scene 1
Seeking to flee the commotion and
corruption of Athens, Goodhope
and Makedo search for Tereus, a
legendary Athenian king who became a hoopoe bird. T's
Servant directs them to
him. Makedo, learning about the
easy life of birds, suggests they join the birds and
overthrow the gods by intercepting sacrifices. T calls the
birds to assembly. The birds try to attack M and G, until
learning of the humans' plan. M persuases them that birds
are the legitimate rulers of the universe
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Scene 2
Goodhope and Makedo enter
dressed as birds and found Cloudcuckooland. Goodhope pushed aside, exits. A
series of visitors appear, all demanding something: Priest, Poet,
Prophet, Meton, Inspector, Lawyer. Makedo beats them
all away.
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Scene 3
A Messenger reports to Makedo that the
birds have finished the wall, but a Guard reports a
god has breeched it; Iris
appears to warn Makedo to stop.
Another Messenger crowns Makedo and announced the popularity
of his rule. Humans start to emigrate: a Youth, Cinesias the Poet, an Informert.
Makedo beats them away
individually
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Scene 4
Prometheus sneaks in to
advise Makedo about negotiating with the gods. M. should
insist on Zeus' power and marriage to the Divine Princess
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Scene 5
The gods Poseidon, Heracles and
Jerkoffalot arrive to negotiate terms with Makedo, who is roasting some birds
found guilty of treason. Because H and J are distracted,
Makedo wins everything.
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Choral entrance/parabasis
Humans and gods are weak, birds rule
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Second parabasis
All must worship birds. Judges must honor Aristophanes.
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Choral interlude
Cowardly Cleonymus. No more heroes.
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Choral interlude
Silly Socrates and Peisander
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Wedding revelry
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