Johnson Theatre Presents LYSISTRATA, 10/6-10

The Department of Theatre and Dance's upcoming production of "Lysistrata: A Woman's Translation" may hold the answer to an age-old question: In the battle of the sexes, who wins and who loses?

This frank sexual and anti-war comedy adapted from Aristophanes' work by Drue Robinson will run Oct. 6-9 at 8 p.m. nightly and Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. in Johnson Theatre. "Lysistrata" opens in the war-ravaged city stages of ancient Greece, where a band of women - led by Lysistrata (played by Kayla Piscatelli of Groveland, Mass.) - are willing to do anything to stop the destruction. The women decide on a drastic and daring plan: Deny their husbands all sexual favors until they end the war. The frustrated men retaliate, thus igniting a fast-paced, funny battle of the sexes.
Play director Russell Luke, adjunct professor of theatre and box office manager, enjoyed the play for its humor during his days as an undergraduate student. Later, he said he came to appreciate the play's deeper messages.

"I think perhaps there are two strong messages. The play really speaks to the empowerment of women and also to the dreadful waste of war," he said.

Luke collaborated with set designer Anna Sartin, associate professor of theatre and scenic/lighting designer; costume designer Janet Gray, associate professor of theatre; and numerous student technical crew members to transform Johnson's stage into ancient Greece. The Oct. 6-10 production marks the first time the full-length play has been produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance, though there was a stage reading in 2003 as part of the Lysistrata Project, a one-day reading of the play in protest of the Iraq war.

"Lysistrata: A Woman's Translation" contains adult content and adult language. Performance seating is reserved, and tickets are for the Oct. 6 and Oct. 8-10 shows are $8 with Winthrop I.D. and $15 for the public. All tickets to the Thursday, Oct. 7, performance are $5 each.
For tickets, call the Box Office at 803/323-4014 or send an e-mail to boxoffice@winthrop.edu.

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