• Lysistrata, by Aristophanes

  • Apr 25 2025
  • Length: 8 mins
  • Podcast

Lysistrata, by Aristophanes

  • Summary

  • Lysistrata, a comedic play by the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, was first performed in 411 BCE during the Peloponnesian War, a protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta that strained Greek society. Written against the backdrop of war-weariness and political turmoil, the play centers on Lysistrata, an Athenian woman who orchestrates a bold plan to end the war by uniting the women of Greece in a sex strike and seizing the Acropolis, Athens’ financial hub, to starve the war effort of funds. Through sharp wit and bawdy humor, Aristophanes critiques the absurdity of prolonged warfare and the marginalization of women, while showcasing their potential for collective action. Performed at the Lenaia festival, Lysistrata blends satire, social commentary, and fantastical elements, making it a timeless exploration of gender dynamics, power, and the human cost of conflict.

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