“Make love, not war!” Ancient Greek comedy comes to life

Tired of the endless Peloponnesian War between Athens, Sparta and their allies, the feisty Lysistrata unites the women of both city states in a sex strike against their menfolk—no intimacy until the fighting ends! Not only that but the women also occupy the Acropolis, where Athens’ treasury is located. Radical, original and effective, the strategy inevitably brings the desired result.

Commissioned by the Festival in a co-production with the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Aristophanes’ 2,400-year-old comedy gets a modern update in this bold new staging by renowned Greek director Katerina Evangelatos, who is partnering with Chinese playwright Nick Rongjun Yu, the Artistic Director of the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre. Together they are bringing a colourful and hilarious new Chinese adaptation true to the spirit of the ancient Greek play, incorporating extravagant set and costume design, slapstick comedy, and feisty original song and dance to bring out all the biting satire, ribaldry, explicit inuendo and wit of Aristophanes’ work.

The story of Lysistrata has inspired ballets, opera, animations and even a modern hip-hop film. It was the first play in theatre history to feature women as heroes, and its themes of war, power and protest remain highly relevant today. With a Chinese title that translates as “Step Up, Sisters”, it’s practically Lysistrata The Musical! Featuring a 20-strong ensemble including male and female singing and dancing choruses, come expecting high-energy performances, playful music-theatre and spectacular design while you laugh and reflect upon a timeless tale.

Advance bookings will start at 10am on 16 October 2025