Aristophanes gets a new look at Glass Canon
From May 23 through June 7, Glass Canon Theatre Company is producing a new take on an old classic, with a dynamic new adaptation of Lysistrata, the classic comedy by the ancient Athenian playwright Aristophanes. Directed by Emma Jaster and adapted by Jaster and Gil Mitchell (with assistance from Stephen Halliwell, Sarah Ruden, and others) this production aims to infuse resonant new life into a familiar story using a combination of contemporary relevance, raucous theatrical energy, a mixtape of musical chestnuts, and an unbridled spirit of mirth.
Lysistrata famously, even notoriously, explores themes of power, resistance, and unity–along with some age-old issues of gender politics and the ethics of war–through the imaginative, farcical leaps of one of history’s most enduring comedies. Its premise is both simple and revolutionary: after years of devastating warfare, the women of deathly rivals Athens and Sparta seek to overcome their differences and force the men to make peace; what follows is a sex strike and all the complications that entails.
In this world-premiere adaptation, using an inventive and physical staging and a fresh, new rendering of the text, Glass Canon aims for a bold-but-engaging revival–one that looks to highlight both the wit and the urgency of Aristophanes’ original while also finding new ways to speak directly to modern audiences.
Performances will be at Dance Loft on 14 (4618 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.).
Hear Emma Jaster’s thoughts on the play, the production, and the process from our conversation:
Glass Canon’s production opens with preview performances on May 23 at 7:30 PM and May 24 at 2:00 PM, followed by opening night on Sunday, May 24 at 7:30 PM, with a reception to follow. Additional performances run Thursdays through Sundays through June 7–with Industry Night and a celebration of Glass Canon Theatre Company’s first anniversary on Monday, June 1 at 7:30 PM, Women and Nonbinary Affinity Night on May 28, BIPOC Affinity Night on June 5, and Pride Night on June 6.
More information is on the company website here.
