Caught up in the maelstrom of the Peloponnesian War, an Athenian woman chooses to use the most effective weapon at her disposal to bring the hostilities to an end. She calls a meeting of women from Greece’s cities and together they decide to go on a sex strike until the men agree to stop the war.

Lysistrata, Aristophanes’ most anti-war and arguably most daring play, which was first performed at the Lenaia festival in 411 BC, was a final, urgent clarion call for political action amidst the crisis that Athens had been facing since the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. Aristophanes masterfully uses all the tried and tested tools of comedy, most notably the sexually charged banter that provokes and challenges the audience, essentially advocating female sensitivity and insight in opposition to the cynical and ultimately failed strategy of the men who monopolise power.

Director Marios Mettis illuminates the uninhibited language and highly sexual mood of the play's characters, working with a consummate team of creatives and actors to produce a joyous and provocative show that reimagines Aristophanes’ world through a subversive directorial eye. Christiana Artemiou takes on the title role of Lysistrata.

Performances

Nicosia: Makarios III Amphitheatre | Wednesday 21 June 2023, Thursday 22 & Friday 23 June 2023, 9 p.m.

Tour

Deryneia: Τhe Municipal Amphitheatre | Wednesday 28 June 2023, 9 p.m.
Limassol: The ancient theatre of Kourion | Friday 7 & Saturday 8 July 2023, 9 p.m.
Paphos: The ancient theatre of Pahos | Wednesday 12 July 2023, 9 p.m.

The production will also tour to Larnaca on a date to be announced soon.