The Lysistrata Project - Global

The live performance community-based readings (click here to view a list of cities) are accompanied by a number of supplemental advocacy materials. The Lysistrata Project Study Guide includes background information about the play and ways to relate it to our lives today. It focusses on themes such as creatively standing up for what you believe in and the history of non-violent protesting. Included are written assignments and projects for use in the classroom setting. A T-shirt programme insert is designed to enable audience members to order their own Lysistrata Project t-shirts. Printed flyers, posters, programmes, logos, and animated gifts are also available.

Aquapio Films is making an independent documentary about Lysistrata Project. Click here for more information about filming readings, interviewing participants, and submitting video tapes.

Conflict.

Lysistrata, a comedy by Greek dramatist Aristophanes (c. 447 - c. 385 b.c.e.), tells the story of a group of women from opposing states who unite to end the Peloponnesian War. After matronly stormtroopers take over the building where public funds are kept, the women rise to end the war by withholding sex from their mates. Desperate for intimacy, the men finally agree to lay down their swords and see their way to achieving diplomatic peace.

The idea for Lysistrata Project was born in early January 2003, when two New York actresses were inspired by Theaters Against War (THAW) to do something about their feelings regarding the war on Iraq. They decided that live performance would be an effective way to foster not only open communication but also compassion with regard to this issue. Thus, they developed a website and sent emails to the many actors and directors they had worked with in the past. Those people forwarded the message to people they worked with, and so on.