The College of St. Scholastica opens its 2007-2008 theater season with Aristophanes’s “Lysistrata” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in the St. Scholastica Theatre on campus.
The play is directed by Nathan Carlblom, a local writer, actor, director and producer. He is co-executive producer of Working Class Theater in Duluth and has worked with the Renegade Comedy Theatre and on various local productions.
First performed in 411 B.C., “Lysistrata” is one of the most well-known Greek plays. Written by Aristophanes 21 years into the Peloponnesian War, the play revolves around the women of Athens who, tired of losing their sons to battle, conspire to deny their husbands sexual favors until they make peace with the Spartans.
“This is a new translation of the play by Jeffrey Henderson,” said Merry Vaughan, director of the St. Scholastica Theatre. “He tried to go back to Aristophanes’ original intent – which was pretty shocking.” Because of its adult language and content, Vaughan warns that the performance may not suitable for all audiences.
The play also has a strong anti-war message. “Although the same tactics will probably not work for ending the war with Iraq,” writes St. Scholastica student Tess Gallagher in her bio notes for the play (she portrays “Spartan Woman”), I hope it “will give people food for thought on how to peacefully end the [war].”
Playgoers are encouraged to read the study guide – which includes a primer on the Greek theater and “fun factoids’ – on the St. Scholastica Theatre Web site, www.css.edu/theatre.xml.
Other performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, 8, 9 and 10 – as well as at 2 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for senior citizens and non-St. Scholastica students (with identification) and $5 for St. Scholastica students.
For more information, call the box office at 723-5900.
Other performances in the 2007-2008 St. Scholastica Theatre season
Student Directing Class Project
“Months on End” by Craig Pospisil
7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 8
2 p.m. Dec. 9
“The Joy of Going Somewhere Definite” by Quincy Long
Directed by Tammy Ostrander
7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9
2 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10
“Ah, Wilderness!” by Eugene O’Neil
Directed by Scott Smith
7:30 p.m. April 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19
2 p.m. April 13 and 20
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