Release Date: November 5, 2008
Ancient Greek play "Lysistrata" provides laughs, insight at Kennesaw State
Contact: Cheryl Anderson Brown, Assistant Director of Public Relations, 770-499-3417 or cbrown@kennesaw.edu
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KENNESAW, Ga.—The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University will present the ancient Greek anti-war comedy “Lysistrata” Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 23 at Howard Logan Stillwell Theater. The production is directed by Associate Professor Dean Adams.
“Lysistrata” was originally written by dramatist Aristophanes and first performed around 400 B.C. The title character pushes the boundaries of expectations for the roles of Athenian women and strives to end a war in an unconventional way. “'Lysistrastra' literally means ‘disbander of armies’ in Greek,” said Assistant Professor and Resident Dramaturg Jane Barnette, “and she is not only a heroine but she also defies virtually every expectation of Athenian female behavior at that time.”
According to Barnette, the plot is ripe for irony and comedy. “The bawdy jokes exist within a fantastical, even surreal, world where anything can happen—including a sex strike proposed by, of all people, a woman.”
Barnette believes there is much for modern audiences to learn from and enjoy about “Lysistrata.” “Some people have said that the political history of Greece during the time of 'Lysistrata' is a microcosm of how we interact with other nations today,” Barnette stated. “The production makes us question our current political landscape and beliefs through the lens of comedy.”
The Tuesday through Saturday performances of “Lysistrata” will begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday performance will begin at 2 p.m. All shows will be held in Stillwell Theater. Admission is $15 and tickets are available online at www.kennesaw.edu/ arts. For more information, call the box office at 770-423-6650. Please be advised that this event includes themes and languages that may not be suitable for all audiences.
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A member of the 35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive, residential institution with a growing student population of more than 21,000 from 142 countries. The third-largest university in Georgia, Kennesaw State offers more than 65 graduate and undergraduate degrees, including new doctorates in education and business.
The KSU College of the Arts is one of only four Georgia institutions to have achieved full national accreditation for all of its arts programs.