'The Use of Masks in Koun's Stage Interpretations of Aristophanes' Birds, Frogs and Peace'

Koun treated masks not merely as ancient props but as devices that evoke the spirit of Greek carnival and folk celebrations. The masks helped bridge the gap between ancient ritual and modern popular culture. Similar to his approach to tragedy, Koun used masks in Aristophanes' comedies as part of a holistic, "total theatre" approach. They were combined with stylized, often distorted, physical movements and, in productions like The Birds (1959/1962), with music (by Manos Hadjidakis) and costumes (by Yannis Tsarouchis) to create memorable, iconic images directly inspired by live traditions. The masks served to transform actors into distinct personas—ranging from mythological figures to animals, masking both head and often body (via padding). By employing masks, Koun rejected the "academic" or purely realistic staging enabling a more dynamic, "grotesque," and imaginative interpretation.