Review: ‘Lysistrata’ – ‘inflatable penises, men dressed as women, and an incredible selection of wigs’

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the Classics’ society’s production of Lysistrata on Sunday night. But I know that I definitely didn’t expect to see inflatable penises, men dressed as women, and an incredible selection of wigs. Lysistrata was full of surprises, and this performance proved to be a truly brilliant adaptation of Aristophanes’ classic comedy.

Originally performed around 400BC, the play centres on the women of Greece. In order to bring about negotiations, the women refuse to have sex with their husbands in order to bring about the end of the Peloponnesian Wars. As a Classicist myself, I was incredibly impressed at how close to the original storyline the play stayed. In terms of adapting to a modern audience, I think that the play did this very well. The play was still, no doubt, Lysistrata, but had been amended to fit its intended audience very well indeed. I also think that the choice of such a significant play, which focuses on women as the protagonists, was a very good choice by the Classics’ society. It was remarkable to see such an important play and one that has been performed for over two thousand years, be retold by such enthusiastic students.

There was not a single person on that stage that didn’t put their heart and soul into their performance

Without question, the biggest gem of the whole performance had to be the cast. Everyone involved tackled their roles with such zeal and enthusiasm, and were an absolute joy to watch. Credit especially goes to Thomas Matthew Boehmer as Reconciliation and Jesse Chambers as Lampito. Their performances as two women were hilarious, and had the audience in stitches every time they were on the stage. I am also particularly admirable of the first year Classics students that performed. With the talent and flair that they graced the stage with, there would be no telling that this was their first time performing Ancient theatre at the university. There was not a single person on that stage that didn’t put their heart and soul into their performance, and this is testament to how spectacular the play was overall.

In relation to directorship, it cannot have been easy to turn a bunch of Classicists into actors. However, Emma Johnson truly did an exceptional job. The play was, from start to finish, so obviously well-rehearsed. The gruelling hours of preparation was apparent in the flow and natural progression that the play followed.

All those involved in Lysistrata’s production should be very proud indeed

The reaction of the audience (which comprised of some Classics students as well as a large proportion of non-Classics attendees) was an overwhelmingly positive one. This serves as evidence that the play was suited for everyone- even those who had no reference for Greek comedy previously. The audience responded very well to the humour of the play, with startled reactions and laughter being a frequent occurrence.

Ultimately, the play was a massive success. The Arts Centre was almost completely sold out, with a much higher turnout than I was expecting from non-Classicists. The plot, the cast and the direction of the performance was brilliantly composed, and was an absolute joy to watch. All those involved in Lysistrata’s production should be very proud indeed.