Lysistrata

The November 2006 Sixth Form Play was Michael Theodorou’s modernized version of Aristophanes’ 5th century BC comedy Lysistrata. Grace Cartwright was a powerful unifying presence in the lead role as she masterminded a political sex strike by the women of Athens to dissuade their husbands from constantly going to war. Once again the new Studio Theatre came into its own, providing just the right amphitheatre-style setting for the work of male and female choruses.

Such were the consistently high quality of the acting and the virtuoso nature of the ensemble work that an extra night had to be laid on to satisfy the demands of those who wished to see the play. There was some strident feminism here – “What are you, a woman or a doormat?” – plenty of double entendre, a spooky death figure wearing a “Death Supports Our Troops” t-shirt, and a whole range of imaginative cameos. Angus strutted, Hannah sighed, Lachlan expounded, Harriet sulked, Paisley took charge, Robert stated the obvious, and Flora used her eyes and voice like some grand old lady of the stage – “You do come on strong for an old man!”

Congratulations to all the cast and backstage helpers, but especially to directors Grace Paige and Stewart Agnew, for a very confident production.

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