The ancient Greek comedy “Lysistrata” is being staged at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center. With bold dialogue and striking costumes, this 2,400-year-old script is given a surprisingly contemporary makeover.
Adapted from the classic masterpiece by Aristophanes, the father of ancient Greek comedy, the play wraps serious themes of “anti-war” and “female empowerment” in laughter through absurd, fantastical storytelling and a festive, song-and-dance-filled carnivalesque spirit.
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: “Lysistrata” is adapted from the classic masterpiece by Aristophanes, the father of ancient Greek comedy.
In 411 BC, the Peloponnesian War rages on, plunging Athens, Sparta and their allies deeper into chaos. Lysistrata, a courageous and resolute Athenian woman, launches an unprecedented campaign – she unites women from rival cities and proposes a sex strike: they will refuse intimacy with their husbands until the men end the war.
At the same time, they seize Acropolis, where the state treasury is kept. These strategies eventually force the men back to the negotiating table, bringing a long-lost peace.
Aristophanes’ “rebellious” madcap comedy pioneered the role of female protagonists in ancient Greek comedy. Thanks to its forward-thinking gender awareness and wildly outrageous content, it tops the must-see list among the only 11 surviving ancient Greek comedies.
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: The play features bold dialogue and striking costumes.
The Shanghai production is adapted and directed by Greek director Katerina Evangelatos and co-produced by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
“This is an anti-war work, but it’s also about female empowerment, and the different perspectives and ideas between men and women,” said Evangelatos.
“The Greek team had a wonderful, laughter-filled collaboration with our Chinese partners. Our production is flamboyant and funny – something like a musical, but not in a traditional form. I hope the audience will enjoy it, and after laughing, think about how to face the conflicts in their own lives, and how to make things better.”
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: The Shanghai production is adapted and directed by Greek director Katerina Evangelatos.
Greek composer Alex Drakos Ktistakis, together with music director Jiang Qinghua, blends 70-80s and contemporary pop music into the production.
Set designer Eva Manidaki and costume designer Vasiliki Syrma draw inspiration from the light-and-shadow folds of ancient Greek columns and the Chinese folding fan, recreating the grotesque yet dazzling visual world of Aristophanes’ comedy.
The performance is presented with English subtitles and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above.
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: It’s an anti-war work, but also about female empowerment.
Performance info
Dates: April 14-19, 2pm/7:30pm
Tickets: 180-580 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center 上海话剧艺术中心
Address: 288 Anfu Rd 安福路288号
