The Department of Communication Studies and Theatre performed the play “Lysistrata” during the month of November. The play is one of the few surviving by Aristophanes, a comic playwright of ancient Athens. Professor James N. Brown, who also directed, freely adapted the version performed by KU Theatre.
The play is about one woman’s, Lysistrata, hilarious mission to end the Peloponnesian war. She convinces the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands until a peace treaty can be agreed upon.
“Lysistrata” truly was hysterical. The audience was in uproar most of the time. It was a great new-age adaptation of a play written in ancient times. Senior Theatre major Virginia Lawler played the role of Lysistrata, and did an excellent job. She brought the character to life and was able to connect with every other character on stage. Courtney Krier played Lysistrata’s sidekick Calonice, and did a great job for her first time on the Kutztown stage as a freshman. Brandon Reimer performed well as the role of the Magistrate.
Other main characters included Tanya Hreiz as the feisty Lampito, Jennifer Archbold as Veronica, Trevor Buck as Sam, Taylor Clark as the Spartan Envoy, Bryon Copeland as Royce, Erin Dixon as Myrrhine, Eric Eldred as Cinesias, Matthew Fulkerson as Fred, Carly Robinson as Katherine and Cheryl Schreib as Sophie.
Professor Robert Lewis Smith worked as the Scenic and Lighting Designer, Mary Ann Swords-Greene as the Costume Designer and Professor Roxane Rix as the Production Coordinator.
For those who missed the show, it was a great performance by KU Theatre. Professor Brown wrote in his Director’s Notes, “The story of Aristophanes empowers some of the weakest members of society to band together, find their strength in unity, and force the adoption of an appropriate solution to a terrible problem that is destroying their lives.” Although Lysistrata is a comedy, those involved in production were able to portray just that point.
The KU Theatre will be performing “Dog Sees God,” by Bert V. Royal in April.

By Taylor Zimmerman