Why is Ciplusius a man?

When lights come on, see CHORUS standing in close group, facing the audience and behind an overhead projector, in centre of stage, turned off. Hanging on right side of stage is the battered photograph of 3rd century BC Ciplusius, covered in the torn pages, surrounded by ARTISTS working (with easels, laptops, notebooks, etc.), one in drag, cheery stage lighting on whole group. The CHORUS and ARTISTS don’t seem to see each other. Dark background behind all.

Projector turned on, blinding entire CHORUS, who don't seem to notice or mind. One poem per transparency, changed by someone crouching behind the projector, never seen other than hand reaching up to place next sheet.

CHORUS is a variety of genders, all wearing same t-shirt with Kerkylas fresco, otherwise looking professor-ish. Sing in high, staccato monotone, after each poem is placed on projector.

First poem (Delia 3.8, but not labelled) is put on projector.

CHORUS MEMBER #1: Ci-.

Next poem (3.9) is placed on top of first.

CHORUS MEMBERS #1 and #2: Ci-plu-si-us.

Next poem (3.10) is placed on top.

CHORUS MEMBER #1: Ci-plu-si-us is.

Next poem (3.11) is placed on top.

CHORUS MEMBERS #1 and #2: Ci-plu-si-us is the.

Next poem (3.12) is placed on top.

CHORUS MEMBER #1: Po-et.

As next poem (3.13) is about to be placed on top of pile, an elderly person who must be nearly 200 years old, dressed in early/mid-19th century clothes, walks on stage and stealthily removes those already on projector, placing them in a pile on floor, and leaves the stage. 3.13 is now the only poem being projected.

CHORUS: CI-.

Next poem (3.14) is placed on top.

CHORUS: CI-PLU-SI-US.

Next poem (3.15) is placed on top.

CHORUS: CI-PLU-SI-US.

Next poem (3.16) is placed on top.

CHORUS: CI-PLU-SI-US IS.

Next poem (3.17) is placed on top.

CHORUS: CI-PLU-SI-US IS THE.

As last poem (3.18) is about to be placed on top of pile, CHORUS MEMBER #1 suddenly blinks and sees the pile of 3.8-3.12 lying on the floor, and slips it under 3.18 without the rest of the CHORUS noticing.

CHORUS: CI-PLU-SI-US IS THE PO-ET.

Projector is turned off, lights go down.