Lysistrata

‘Lysistrata’ by Aristophanes is showing at WAAPA’s Roundhouse in Mount Lawley, at 7.30 nightly until Thursday 28^th August.

            This is the well-known story of how Lysistrata, and her women friends, end the Greek Wars by cutting off their men’s conjugals.

About two years ago, we had the Class Act / Stephen Lee contemporary version, which concentrated -in a reasonably serious way - on the unnecessary side of war, along with how the story related to today’s wars. Then came a brave school’s version. Now there is this hilarious adaptation by Germaine Greer, with additional dialogue by Phil Willmott.
Chris Bendall (the new artistic director for Deckchair) has directed the show with supreme comedic skill. Presented as an adult pantomime, it is a mix of ancient and modern. The whole show glowed as the script became more and more outrageous. This play is for adults only, not that there is any nudity, but definitely strong adult themes as the ‘donkey’ men return home from the fighting, for a fortnight’s break.
There were some superb characters, beautifully carried off by the whole cast. From the rough old baths cleaner, the gay town councillor and a gorgeous set of women on heat. A small point, I felt that the actual seduction by the women was minimal, not that the men required warming up!
Excellent lighting and sound, with a simple but effective, well thought out set. Innovative programme design.
Two hours of non-stop hilarity. Loved it.