AustLit

'Athens and Sparta are the two greatest city states in the Greek Empire. When the Peloponnesian War is declared, each side must present a united front. While Athenian men and Spartan boys are spurred on to fight by their leaders Pericles and Archidamus, Athenian First Lady Lysistrata and Spartan First Lady Lampito champion their country’s cause on the home front. But as the war rages on, as both side suffer great losses, Lysistrata and Lampito have the values that underpin their country challenged and must decide what are they fighting for and what they should do to make it stop?

'Before Lysistrata explores the reasons why women from both sides of the political line might decide to work together. Exploring gender in politics, the role and nature of democracy and the heart, beauty and tragedy of both the Right and the Left, Before Lysistrata examines the humanity and failings of each side in the hope we can come together for the greater good. We have no answers, only hope, and dick jokes.'

Source: Production blurb (Kings Cross Theatre).