In Lysistrata, Theatre Presents New Skirmish in Battle of Sexes

The classic comedy Lysistrata gets a brand-new treatment in an Albion College Theatre Department production, rearranged by professor Bob Starko. The play runs Thursday, April 9 through Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. in the College's Herrick Theatre. A Sunday, April 12 matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Written by Aristophanes around 400 BC, Lysistrata is the battle-of-the-sexes story of women united in their desire for an end to the Peloponnesian wars. Lysistrata and the other women of Greece refuse to sleep with their husbands and lovers until the men begin peace negotiations—inciting a social war while trying to prevent an international one.

Starko explained that the original audience for Lysistrata saw it as a ludicrous farce, while more modern productions often focus on its antiwar messages or its very adult humor. "I always felt there was more in the story," Starko explained of his revision. "We didn't take out all the dirty jokes, but I have tried to bring a little more humanity to the characters."

Tickets for Lysistrata are $2 and can be reserved by calling 517/629-0433 or emailing .