The idea for Lysistrata Project was hatched in January 2003, when New York actresses Kathryn Blume and Sharron Bower were inspired by the newly-formed organization, Theaters Against War to DO something about their feelings regarding the war on Iraq.  While emailing the idea of simultaneous readings of Lysistrata to theatre artists around the world, enthusiastic support came back instantly. Thus the Lysistrata Project took on a life of its own — snowballing into the first-ever world-wide theatre event for peace.   On this date, over 800 readings are taking place in 49 countries.

 Theatre can provide a terrific entrée into conversation about the state of our country and our world.  KCSC thanks you for joining us in this crucial conversation by attending this reading.

Notes From the Creators of the
Lysistrata Project

Lysistrata, by  Greek dramatist Aristophanes (c. 447 - c. 385 b.c.e.), tells the story of a group of women from opposing states that unite to end the Peloponnesian War by withholding sex from their husbands.

Lysistrata provides a humorous entrée into a healthy community dialogue: What CAN we do on a local level to stop "diplomacy by violence" in our world?

 In many countries, women have risen to greater positions of power since Aristophanes wrote this play.  Many of us do have a voice now. We are free to run for office.  We are free to speak out for humanitarian foreign policy.  We are free to teach our youth about conflict resolution through compassionate negotiation, rather than violent domination.  And we can do much more.  For the sake of women who DON'T have such freedoms — for example, the very women who will feel the brutality of Bush's war in a direct way — we must speak out.  We must unite.

   — Kathyrn Blume & Sharron Bower