Lysistrata and Other Plays centers a disgruntled woman whose attempt
to end a war takes the battle from an open field to the soldier's
bedroom. Wives from both camps deny their husbands basic affection in
an effort to quell the violence.
Set during the Peloponnesian War, the women of Greece, led by
Lysistrata, create a plan to stifle the conflict between Athens and
Sparta. Together, they agree to stage a sex strike, refusing to sleep
with their husbands until a resolution is met. The strategy has an
undeniable effect on politicians, generals and soldiers eager for a
return to normalcy. It dramatically changes the focus of the warring
parties, signifying the potential for peace.
Lysistrata and Other Plays confronts gender norms and empowers those
who are often marginalized. It's a common theme in Aristophanes' work
that is also found in The Assemblywomen and Thesmophoriazusae. This
political satire illustrates how fundamental needs always take
precedence over superficial wants.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Lysistrata and Other Plays is both modern and
readable.