Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Closes LYSISTRATA 3/6

Go Greek this February with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company when it presents its Classics-in-the-Box production of Aristophanes' famous rambunctious and risqué comedy Lysistrata, February 11-March 6, 2010.

Lysistrata by Aristophanes is a classical masterpiece bursting with sexual high jinks and slapstick comedy that packs a punch with political and social satire. While it is a significant piece of feminist anti-war drama, it also possesses a well- deserved reputation of being bawdy, off-color and very funny. CSC Artistic Director and Lysistrata director Ian Gallanar has written an original, contemporary adaptation based on two of Aristophanes' comedies: The Assemblywomen and Lysistrata.

The play is notable for its exposé of sexual relations in a male-dominated society and for its use of both double entendre and explicit obscenities. Most importantly, it's really funny even today.

Lysistrata, a frustrated housewife, tries to change the balance of power in ancient Athens by first taking over the government and, when that strategy fails, by convincing the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands until the desperate men agree to negotiate a peace against the latest in a series of wars.

In this boisterous, colorful and sensual production, Lysistrata will mix original music, dance, clowning, giant puppets and contemporary dialogue into a hysterical comedy about who really "carries the big stick."

Greek plays were often written for and performed as part of religious festivals. In true Greek fashion, CSC will present Lysistrata at Oliver's Carriage House, home of the Kittamaqundi Community Church.

Lysistrata runs February 11-March 6, 2010; Thursdays through Fridays at 8pm, and Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm at the Oliver's Carriage House, 5410 Leaf Treader Way, Columbia, Maryland 21044.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com, by calling 866.811.4111 or prior to the performance at the box office. Groups of 10 or more, please call 410.313.8874. For general information, call the CSC offices at 410.313.8874. (11/17/09)

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