WestConn's "Lysistrata" An Ancient Battle of the Sexes

WCSU production has the ‘411’ on the battle of the sexes

 Mention February and most people think of Valentine’s Day. You know, that day when lovers profess their feelings for one another and shower each other with gifts and affection? Before you jump to the conclusion that the Western Connecticut State University department of theatre arts intends to stage a love story for its spring production, consider that it opens on Leap Day: February 29.

 It only makes sense that it’s actually a comedy about withholding love and affection as told by Aristophanes in 411 B.C.

 WCSU will stage an adaptation of “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes for two weekends in February and March. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 29 and March 1; at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 2; at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 3; at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 4; at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 9; at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 10; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, in the Berkshire Theatre in Berkshire Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The public is invited. Tickets will be $20 plus ticketing fees. WCSU students with valid I.D. will be admitted free. Because of the subject matter, the show is recommended for mature audiences.

 Co-chair of the Department of Theatre Arts Sal Trapani, known for his striking adaptations of many Shakespearean plays, has taken his creative sword to Aristophanes’ traditional Greek theatre to yield a timeless adaptation that is simultaneously classic and contemporary. Trapani’s original songs feature everything from disco to rock, musical theatre to gospel, and will have audience members dancing in the aisles — literally — with members of the cast.

 As the men prepare to head off to war, the women, led by Lysistrata, wage their own battle — of the sexes. Apparently even in Aristophanes’ day, the quickest way for women to get their point across was by turning a cold shoulder to the amorous advances of the men in their lives. The only hope for the men was to comply with the social change the women demand: if you want to make love, stop making war.