Theater - Lysistrata

A play by Aristophanes

Freely adapted by Michael Abbott '85

 

Director: Michael Abbott '85

 

Lysistrata has a scheme. She has devised a foolproof plan for the women of Athens to put an end to a long and bloody war. Her scheme, of course, is preposterous, but the very outrageousness of it makes it work. Soon her idea begins to seem almost reasonable. Aristophanes’ Lysistrata is perhaps the most significant comedy ever written. As a comic writer Aristophanes was a profound influence through the ages, providing characters, plots, and themes for works ranging from Plautus’ Braggart Soldier to Woody Allen’s recent Mighty Aphrodite. Lysistrata poses several important and provocative questions: Is it possible for a group of women to band together and stop a war? Is it possible for a 2,400 year-old comedy to be funny today? Is it possible to stage a play filled with women at an all-male college? This new musical adaptation by Assistant Professor of Theater Michael Abbott of the classic Aristophanic comedy proves the answer to all these questions is yes!