A bawdy ancient Greek comedy has become the latest tool for the international peace movement.
In response to a possible preemptive war against Iraq, more than 700 readings of "Lysistrata" have been scheduled around the world for Monday.
Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" tells the story of women from opposing states who unite to end the Peloponnesian War. Powerless in their society, the women take the only tactic available to them: a sex strike. They refuse to sleep with their men until the men agree to lay down their swords.
More than 2,400 years later, the tale still has meaning.
"It resonates with us today in a humorous way," says Craig Ellingson, associate director of theater at Minnesota State University Moorhead. "The women in the piece choose to use their sexual power as the ends to the war, but today we can use our voices, our initiatives instead of being part of the quiet masses."
ADVERTISEMENT
Most of the students in his acting styles class chose to participate in a reading of the play. About 20 people from the community also will present a reading at North Dakota State University.
The Lysistrata Project was started in New York City by two actors who call themselves patriotic Americans concerned about a unilateral attack on Iraq.
The project spread through e-mail and a Web site.
Participating in readings of the Greek comedy is one way for citizens to speak against war without demonstrating or protesting, they say.
The play encourages people to brainstorm creative ways of dealing with disputes and disagreements, says Ana Rusness-Petersen, one of the producers of the NDSU reading.
"It's not your typical protest," she says. "It makes you wonder whether there are other answers besides war."
The play also proves that theater can have an effect off the stage where it is performed, Ellingson says.
"It teaches that theater isn't so insular," he says. "The power of theater has a real reach and scope to it. It's not just entertainment, but theater can be used as a tool for change."
ADVERTISEMENT
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
If you go
Local theater readings of "Lysistrata" will be held at the following:
- 7 p.m. Monday in the Art Critique Room in the Minnesota State University Moorhead Center for the Arts.
- 7:30 p.m. Monday in Beckwith Recital Hall at North Dakota State University.
Both performances are free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be given to the North Dakota Peace Coalition.
