It was March of 2003, nearly two years ago now. Protests against a possible war on Iraq were just beginning.
Protesters had been marching on D.C. and in the streets of New York in the prior two months. Filmmakers got involved, musicians jumped board and celebrities spoke out for the anti-war movement. However, at the same time, a more organized, underground theatre project was taking place in the world of theatre.
It centered around and was named after the Greek comedy by the playwright Aristophanes and was known simply as The Lysistrata Project. On March 3, 2003 (3/3/03), the play was performed in 1,029 theatres across the world. Not only was this an incredible showing for the anti-war movement, it was also an incredible showing for feminists around the world.
Lysistrata is the third and final play in the War and Peace series written by Aristophanes. Taking place in the 21st year of the war of his prior two works, Lysistrata focuses on the efforts of Athenian women to bring peace to their lands. Lead by Lysistrata, the women of Athens decide to force their men to cease war on Sparta by making a bold declaration - their men will be denied sexual pleasures until they vote for peace.
Lysistrata instructions her legions to wear their sheerest silks and to "sit prettily" where their men can see them to help make their cause all the more transparent.
Even in 411 B.C., the Greeks knew that sex sells. Although we're used to sex selling music, food, television and even sports, here it can be used for a more noble cause, proving that women can use their "femininity" for higher purposes. Hence, the play and the 2003 project have been adopted by feminists around the world.
A one-woman show by Kathryn Blume, the co-founder of The Lysistrata Project, premiered off-Broadway in fall of 2004. A musical adaptation of Lysistrata is also currently in the works.
If you're interested in seeing what all the fuss is about and seeing if the play comes off as liberal as those who have adopted it, you can catch it at the UCF Conservatory Theatre on campus.
The show will run at 8pm from Jan. 20 to Jan. 30, every evening, with two matinees at 2pm on Jan. 23 and 30. Ticket prices are $12.50 for general admission and $7.50 for students.
For more information, you can call the Conservatory Theatre box office at 407-823-1500.