Continuing the theme of the Year of Democracy, the Theater Arts Department is performing the semester’s main stage presentation of the classic Greek comical play “Lysistrata.”

“This whole play is a statement that Democracy cannot exist unless all have a say”, said Brooke Fiss, a second year Moorpark College student and the lead in “Lysistrata.” “In this case it’s the women who are fighting for their equality and ideas.”

Written by Aristophanes around 400 B.C., “Lysistrata” is a comical play about a women’s strong desire and extraordinary mission to end the Peloponnesian War.

“Lysistrata,” Greek for “she who disbands armies,” is not only the name of this ancient story, but also the name of the woman who had the desire to end the Peloponnesian War and persuaded the women of Greece to withhold sexual relations with their men in hopes of forcing them to negotiate peace.

Keep in mind that “Lysistrata” is a comical play and not based on truth. Greek women in fifth century B.C. had no desire in politics and the idea that the women would rise-up like this would have been ridiculous and humorous to both men and women during that time.

Moorpark College Theater Instructor, John Loprieno wants students to see the connection between society in fifth century B.C. and today.

“Its going to be great fun,” said Loprieno. “You’ve really got to think of this as Saturday Night Live for the Greeks during fifth century B.C.”

“Lysistrata” will be performed on the main stage in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center. For information regarding tickets and times please contact the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (805) 378- 1485 or online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/theatre.