A new adaptation of an ancient Greek comedy written specifically in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade will raise money for women’s reproductive health organizations in the U.S. and Canada.
Rachel Jones, a Stratford Festival company member, has adapted and rewritten Lysistrata - a comedy by Aristophanes originally performed in ancient Athens. The original story is about sexual relations in a male dominated society. A sex strike is orchestrated by women to advocate for peace in a time of war.
Jones said she started to change bits and pieces of the comedy using a translation from 1912 as her starting point, but ended up with a complete rewrite to ensure dialogue about issues and arguments around pro-choice.
Roe v. Wade was an historical Supreme Court decision in which the court ruled the right to an abortion in the U.S. was protected by the Constitution of the United States. The current Supreme Court overruled the landmark decision in June, setting off a firestorm of controversy.
“I saw it happen and felt helpless, felt powerless to help,” Jones told StratfordToday.
Jones thought about hosting a reading of Lysistrata but needed to include Roe vs. Wade elements. She kept the tone of the original play, taking out some of the gory parts, but kept themes intact.
“Aristophanes play is very raunchy, very rude in a playful, fun kind of way. That’s what this is, too. If you don’t like really rude, playful, sex talk and jokes, it is not for you. But if you do love it, it is a party.”
Because she was using an old translation, Jones said the final product is “toned up” rather than toned down. Passages where actors talk about peace will be replaced by issues and arguments around pro-choice, she said.
“We are going to do it as a stage reading. We won’t be in full costume, there will be costume bits, some physicality suggested, but we won’t be sitting on stools and reading, and it’s more active and fun.”
Jones has recruited an all-star cast for a one night only performance on Sunday, Oct. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Tom Patterson Theatre’s Lazaridis Hall.
The cast includes: Marion Adler, Bola Aiyeola, Sean Arbuckle, Jeff Culbert, Nicky Guadagni, Caitlin Kelly, Robert King, David Kirby, Wahsonti:io Kirby, John Koensgen, Beck Lloyd, Monique Lund, Gracie Mack, Seana McKenna, Chris Mejaki, Brad Rudy, Anthony Santiago, Rose Tuong, Amaka Umeh, Emilio Vieira, Mark Weatherly, Julia Webb and Scott Wentworth.
Alice Ferreyra is stage manager. Local technicians have volunteered their time and the Stratford Festival has donated the space. The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada provided a small grant for production expenses.
“We are so lucky that this incredible group have volunteered to do this.”
Proceeds will be split between the National Abortion Federation in the U.S., the National Abortion Federation Canada, and Indigenous Women Rising. After the reading, the play will be offered to other groups to conduct similar fundraisers.
“I would love for it one day to have a full production,” Jones said.
Admission is by donation (suggested minimum of $20). To purchase tickets or donate, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/391889791917.
