H.S.U. Presents Revamped Comedy; Aristophanes' 'Peace' Modernized

The anti-war comedy by Aristophanes, "Peace," in modern dress, with modern verse choruses and music will be produced by the Harvard Student Union in Sanders Theatre tomorrow and Saturday nights.

The play directed by Robert B. Nichols '41, describes the efforts of an Athenian hero to end the Peloponnesian war through divine intercession. The hero, played by Nichols mounts to Olympus on the Greek rocket ship, the "Dung Beetle."

Choruses, Score Added

The simple set made up of an old farmhouse a ladder ascending to heaven, and the lefty castle of Zeus, was designed by Howard Turner '41 and John Holabird '42. It is in keeping with the verse choruses added by William M. Abrahams '41, Garrison Poetry prize winner, and the score composed by Leonard Bernstein '39, a former pupil of Serge Koussevitsky, Boston Symphony conductor, and director of the H.S.U.'s first dramatic production, Marc Blitzstein's "The Cradle Will Rock."

The action of the play is not confined to the stage alone, but extends to choruses seated among the audience.

The remainder of the cast includes: Leonard Kent '43, star of the Dramatic Club's hit last year, "The Ascent of F-9," Priscilla Freeman, John Darr '42, Rufus Mathewson '41. William Headley '41, Leo Marx '41, Harold Solomon '42.