Writer-director Matthew James Weedman has taken a get-down-to-basics approach to adapting Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" in order to focus on war and its evils. Eschewing the traditional dual chorus of old men and women, he spotlights leading female characters and their interactions with the men who champion war.
Activist Lysistrata (Anne Yatco) is sick of the lengthy Peloponnesian war taking its toll on the home life of Spartans and Athenians, so she assembles a representative group of women to strategize a solution. Reluctantly, the women agree to deny their husbands sex until they throw down their arms and concede that the war should end. It is a bold plan, and its ingenuity helps keep this one of the most popular comedies of BCE Greek literature.
Music director–choreographer Elissa Weinzimmer sets the scene at the opening with ancient music and a nicely choreographed ceremony featuring the women carrying large staves that are used effectively throughout. Yatco delivers a strong characterization as she champions her cause and serves as a competent leader.
Husband and wife Myrrhine (Anastasia Barnes) and Kinesias (Nathan Dean Snyder) demonstrate the ill effects of celibacy as she entices him and he suffers. Also adding energy to the show is Cassadie Peterson as Lampito, an enthusiastically athletic Spartan.
Thrown in for good measure are Bellona (Dee Amerio Sudik) and Ares (Jim Sudik), a bit older than the largely youthful actors, but whose gymnastics pronounce them theatrical pros. Kalonike (Yumi Ishibashi), as Lysistrata's best friend, also adds provocative glamour to her role. Tobit Raphael, Sol Mason, Allison Ramirez, and Cassandra Smith round out the cast.
Weedman balances comedy and political debate evenhandedly, but in slow moments theatrics overwhelm the text. Male characters in camouflage with swords and women with gowns more like ancient Greece is an odd juxtaposition. The production is well-intentioned in this time of debate over war, but though it has heart, it could use judicious polishing.
Presented by Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble at the Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 Second St., Santa Monica. June 16–July 2. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m. www.latensemble.com.