Description
By: Aristophanes (446BC – 385BC)
Lysistrata is a comedic play by Aristophanes that showcases the power of women in ancient Greece. The story follows the title character, Lysistrata, who comes up with a clever plan to end the Peloponnesian War by convincing the women of Greece to withhold sex from their husbands until they agree to make peace.
What makes this play so compelling is the way Aristophanes blends humor with powerful themes of gender equality and the futility of war. Lysistrata is portrayed as a strong, cunning, and persuasive leader who is able to rally the women of Greece to take a stand against the violence that has torn their country apart.
The play is filled with witty dialogue, hilarious situations, and clever wordplay that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. While the idea of women using sex as a bargaining tool may seem outdated by today’s standards, Aristophanes uses this premise to highlight the absurdity of war and the importance of cooperation and understanding between men and women.
Overall, Lysistrata is a timeless comedy that continues to resonate with audiences for its bold and progressive themes. Aristophanes proves himself to be a master storyteller who is able to blend important social commentary with laugh-out-loud humor.
Book Description:
Lysistrata read by the Classics Drama Company at DePaul. The Classics Drama Company at DePaul is a new gathering of Thespians and Classicists dedicated to performing and understanding ancient literature. If you live in Chicago and attend DePaul University, we welcome new additions to our group. Contact Dr. Kirk Shellko (kshellko@depaul.edu), if interested.
First performed in classical Athens c. 411 B.C.E., Aristophanes’ Lysistrata is the original battle of the sexes. One woman, Lysistrata, brings together the women of all Greece, exhorting them to withhold sexual contact from all men in order that they negotiate a treaty. Double entendres abound as men of Greece attempt to keep Lysistrata and her prurient gang from putting an end to the Peloponnesian war. Notably risqué, this comic drama sheds light on gender relations in ancient Athens.
Lysistrata: Courtney Nehls
Calonice: Natalie Chavez
Myrrhine: Thu Hien Pham
Lampito: Nick Marotta
Stratyllis: Maggie Hogan
Magistrate: Ryan Keifer
Cinesias: Neil Loomis
Spartan Herald: Maggie Hogan
Envoys: Maggie Hogan, Neil Loomis
Athenians: Courtney Nehls, Natalie Chavez, Thu Hien Pham, Nicholas Marotta, Maggie Hogan, Neil Loomis, Kirk Shellko
Chorus of Women: Courtney Nehls, Natalie Chavez, Thu Hien Pham, Maggie Hogan, Neil Loomis
Magistrate: Ryan Keifer
Spartan Herald: Maggie Hogan
Chorus of Old Men: Nicholas Marotta, Ryan Keifer, Neil Loomis, Kirk Shellko, Maggie Hogan
Porter, Market Idlers, etc: Nicholas Marotta, Maggie Hogan, Neil Loomis
Editor: Kirk Shellko
Translator is not named, but Jack Lindsay is commentator and Norman Lindsay is the illustrator.
