Make love, not war — no, wait, how about: no love, stop the war. See how the ancient Greeks made it happen in Mary Baldwin University Theatre’s presentation of Sarah Ruden’s translation of Aristophanes’Lysistrata.
This production runs October 3-7: Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Fletcher Collins Theatre, Deming Hall.Please note the change and starting time and be advised that this show contains explicit themes and adult language. It is for mature audiences only.
Written during the Peloponnesian wars of the fifth century B.C., and set in modern day Washington, DC, the Greek comedy contemplates the role of women in politics and how society might settle disputes differently if women had the upper hand. “Every woman should see this play,” Director Virginia Francisco says, “and bring a couple of guys. Peace is women’s responsibility.”
In the fifth century B.C.,Lysistratawould have been performed by men only, but Mary Baldwin University Theatre presents the comedy with its own parallel: all women. Kylene Henry debuts as leading lady Lysistrata, the brilliant architect of the women’s crusade to save Greece, and Meggan Mercer debuts as Calonice, Lysistrata’s right-hand woman. Returning to the Mary Baldwin stage are Shakira Ayers as Lampito, wife of the Spartan enemy; Katelyn Scott as Cinesias, one of the many Athenian men longing for his wife; and Anja Stickley as Myrrhine, the wife and mother who brings the conflict to a head.
Also appearing are Camille Acosta, Rin Barton, Stephanie Benson, Jack Facemire, Heather Fowler, Aubrey Joyner, Laura Klentzman, Stephanie Makowski, Faith Masonheimer, Melanie Pino-Elliott, Amanda Rachocki, Emily Schimmel, Betsy Shortt, Jennifer Stuart, Jennifer Takaoka, Katy Lea Todd, Takeisha Tyler, and Courtney Vaughan.
Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the box office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or reserved by credit card by calling (540) 887-7189 during regular box office hours.