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Overview

Synopsis

Lysistrata is one of the earliest theatrical depictions of the battle of the sexes. In the male-dominated society of Ancient Greece, Lysistrata is on a mission to end the Peloponnesian War taking place between the Greek states. She knows that the only way to stop the men being so fixated upon war, is to shock them into negotiating peace. Gathering together the women affected by the wars, she proposes withholding sexual relations between them and their husbands and lovers until the men agree to talk peace. However, the men of Greece are not so easy to manipulate, and the women’s plan soon enrages them, sparking off a battle of the sexes. Ultimately physical desire, loneliness, and marital needs get the better of the men, and they are induced to negotiate peace talks over the naked body of a beautiful handmaiden. With the warring states brought back together, celebrations commence and couples are reunited.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Comedy, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Athens, Ancient Greece, 411 BC
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Lysistrata

Lead

Female

Spoken

Calonice

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Myrrhine

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Lampito

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Stratyllis

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Magistrate

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Cinesias

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Chorus of Old Men

Supporting

Male

Spoken, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Chorus of Old Women

Supporting

Female

Spoken, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Ensemble

Ensemble

Female

Spoken, Silent

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher