Will Geer Theatricum premieres powerful play, ‘Lysistrata’




 

 


By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in rustic Topanga Canyon premiered its modern adaptation of "Lysistrata" Saturday night, a play written by Ellen Geer, delighting hundreds of audience members with a powerful and poignant production which raises important questions about the role women play regarding war and peace.


"Lysistrata," the third and concluding play of rhetorician and poet Aristophanes’ "War and Peace" series, was first produced in 411 B.C.—21 years into the Peloponnesian War in Athens, Greece.


Just like life itself, the play incorporates a perfect mix of humor and drama, as it revolves around women’s response and reaction to the loss of their sons and husbands to a pointless war.


Imagine drawing a line that connects sex to war, and you’ve just begun outlining this play.


"This adaptation is about withholding not just sex, but love, caretaking and home—the very pinnings of society—in order to put a stop to inequality and suffering," said Geer. "These are dangerous times for our society, and we, as artists, must not be afraid to speak out."


If you oppose the war in Iraq, this modern adaptation will validate everything you feel and think. If you’re in favor of the war, it may inspire you to ask "Why?"


Whatever side you’re on, one thing is certain, this adaptation of "Lysistrata" will thoroughly entertain you—with music, dance, comedy and drama.


The music, written by Tom Allard, Peter Alsop, Melora Marshall and Ellen Geer, contains contemporary rhythms and melodies incorporating dance that isn’t only charming but sometimes sexy—and maybe just a little too provocative for kids.


"Lysistrata" has a cast of 55, which includes actresses portraying women from countries such as Iraq, Africa, Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, India, Haiti, Palestine and Afghanistan, coming to a rally led by American women who are determined to accomplish the one thing that men haven’t—peace among nations.


Each foreign woman enters the stage with her native greeting, causing tears to well up in the eyes of audience members who truly hate racism and war.


Imparting an element of humility to an American audience, the foreign women tell the American women how they really feel about U.S. troops coming into their countries, as they promote peace through what these women ironically call terrorism.


The costumes, designed by Marianne Parker, were visually pleasing and authentic, adding color to this moving piece of art.


One of the comedic treats in this play is presented through the role of the politician, played by Alan Blumenfeld, whose likeness to President George W. Bush is portrayed through his bumbled up dialogue—"We’ve got to stop solutions to these problems."


Ellen Geer plays the part of Lysistrata gracefully, and her daughter, Willow Geer, steals the show with a stunning performance as the funny and sweet character Darbie, who’s the typical American mall shopping, diet-pill popping young woman with a husband serving in Iraq.


It was wonderful to watch this play in the Theatricum’s 299-seat amphitheater which is situated in a natural canyon ravine. The tree-covered hills behind the stage become a part of the set, adding a very realistic element to the production.


"Lysistrata"’s message is too important to be hidden in a canyon—it should be out in the open for the masses. But until it makes its way out there, it can be seen in its gorgeous setting through Oct. 18. Performances will take place Saturdays at 8 p.m. now through Aug. 9, Sundays at 7:30 p.m. July 13 through Aug. 10 and Sept. 7 through 28. Saturday matinees are at 3 p.m. Aug. 23 through 30 and Oct. 4 through 18.


Tickets are $14 and $22, and $8 for kids 7 through 13. Children under 6 are free. For tickets and information, call (310) 455-3723.


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