Pasadena City College’s Theater Department will present “Lysistrata,” a comedy inspired by Aristophanes’ ancient Greek play, beginning Friday, April 4, at the Center for the Arts Theatre. The production, directed by PCC’s Deborah Clapp, offers a fresh, fast-paced take on the classical anti-war satire first performed in 411 BC.
The play follows the titular character Lysistrata, an Athenian woman who devises an unconventional strategy to end the Peloponnesian War. She proposes a radical plan: All Greek women must refuse to engage in lovemaking – until the men see reason, lay down their arms, and come home to lie down with their wives in peace, according to promotional materials from PCC’s Performing and Communication Arts Division.
“All hell breaks loose as men wander the country in an agony of unsatisfied lust,” the theater department notes in its description of the storyline. “Will Lysistrata and her crew accomplish what the politicians could not?”
The original “Lysistrata” is a comedic play by Aristophanes and was first performed in 411 BCE during the Peloponnesian War, a long and destructive conflict between Athens and Sparta. In this bold satire about war, power, and gender dynamics, Lysistrata gathers women from various Greek city-states to unite against the ongoing war.
Despite being over two millennia old, “Lysistrata” continues to resonate with modern audiences for its timeless commentary on human nature and its comedic brilliance. The contemporary adaptation by Ellen McLaughlin maintains the spirit of Aristophanes’ comedy while presenting it in an accessible format for modern theatergoers.
Audiences should be aware that the production contains adult content and language. PCC recommends the show for mature audiences only.
The show will run for seven performances across two weekends, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on April 5 and 12.
All performances will take place at PCC’s Center for the Arts Theatre located at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.
For tickets and more information, visit https://pasadena.edu/
