The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-16
As new and original laughing matter

G. A. F. in the London Chronicle.
 IT is 2317 years since 'The Birds' of
 Aristophanes first Tapped their wings ! on the Athenian stage. What that early performance was like can be but dimly realized by latter-day imagination with the assistance of literary and arch geological research. A modern reproduc- ton In a modern theater, with non-Hel- lenic actors and non-Hellenic audience, is bound to be something quite different. However, inevitable incongruities of time and environment notwithstanding, those who witnessed this second revival of the play in the Cambridge theater last night must be envied for a rare qualification of the intellectual and aesthetic senses. Thanks to the enlightened exertions of the committee they saw Greek work of the fifth century B. c. adapted to the requirements of twentieth century taste with wonderful felicity. The young aca- demic histrions, amusingly avified, sec onded the committees efforts by their spirited rendering of speech and action MT. Sheppard of Kings, as Persuasive, and Mir. Carey of Clare, as leader of the chorus, having especially distinguished themselves-while Sir Hubert Parry's in- cidental music, conducted by the eminent composer himself made the choral songs live with liveiness none the less ex- quisite because frankly in accordance with modern notions of melody. The work richly deserved the labor of love lavished- upon it. for it undeniably is the happiest product of the greatest comic genius of antiquity; masterly revel of wit and fancy, in which bois- terous humor is softened by lyric tender ness, and earnestness relieved by cheerful profanity.
 The curtain has risen, and we are in Greece. The blue Aegan sparkles in the distance, and upon the sunlit plain of Att tica before us appear two typical Athe- nians Messrs. Persuasive and Hopeful, followed by two slaves carrying their cuis- inc Weary of political intrigue, scandal. and litigation, they have set out in quest of some happy land where politics and money are unknown. Their guides are crow and a jackdaw perched upon their wrists, and their immediate destination the home of the Hoopoe, once King Tereus, who during his extensive flights since his transformation must have dis covered a haven of refuge such as the wonderers desire. The Hoopoe's nest Is found hidden in a bush under rock, and, in answer to the summons, the Run ner-bird, the Hoopoe's vivacious valet MT. Glencross of Trinity-bursts forth with a graceful merriment of the house, while if upsets our friends and gives their feathered cicerones an opportunity or es- caping. barley ensues, and the valet's master, reused from his after-dinner nap, hops out in all tre splendor of realistically painted wings of canvas, stupendous beak and crest, and having listened to the visitors business, advise them to be- take themselves to certain quiet city on the shores of the Red Sea But they have a rooted objection to seaside places. Suddenly a brilliant idea occurs to Per- suasive: Why should not the birds build a brand-new city in the clouds? Situated midway between heaven and earth, 1t would enable them to lord it over men and gods alike. The proposal is received with enthusiasm by a general assembly ff the birds. which formed brilliant spec tacle.
 The second act opens upon the clouds,