Three comics are shown performing a scene from a phlyax, a farce play developed in southern Italy. Since none of these phlyakes have survived, vase paintings, like this one, are important references. They bring to life the boisterous character of these farces, which were parodies of Greek tragedies. The scene on this krater depicts three actors, each wearing a mask and padded costume; above them hangs a tragic mask. The actor in the center is standing on his toes with his hands raised as if he were suspended from a post; out of his mouth come the words, "he has bound my hands above." Evidently he is being punished for a theft. The stolen goods—a dead goose and a basket—lie on a platform to the right. Also on the platform is an old man or woman, who gestures as if in remonstrance, uttering the words "I shall furnish [testimony]." To the left is the guardian of the prisoner; he holds a stick as if ready to beat the thief. In the upper left is a male youth, nude except for a mantle; he is labeled tragoidos, "tragic actor." The scene is apparently a parody of a court scene, a subject that lent itself to buffoonery.

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