BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project

Subject: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:20 PM

Those interested in volunteering on a really fun and creative upcoming anti-war effort, might be interested in getting involved in the Lysistrata Worldwide Theatre Event for Peace project. As of now, there are 641 readings of the Aristophanes play being held in 40 countries on Monday, March 3rd.

Lysistrata, a comedy by Greek dramatist Aristophanes (c. 447 - c. 385 b.c.e.), tells the story of a group of women from opposing states who unite to end the Peloponnesian War. After matronly stormtroopers take over the building where public funds are kept, the women rise to end the war by withholding sex from their mates -- Until, desperate for intimacy, the men finally agree to lay down their swords and see their way to achieving diplomatic peace.

The project page is here:

March 3rd Reading

The peace and justice organization known as The Lysistrata Project has their home page here:

Lysistrata Project Homepage

Many of the people doing the readings of the play and related performances are donating all proceeds to MADRE, an international human rights organization for women and families caught in international conflicts. Their homepage can be found here:

MADRE

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:24 PM

This won't affect politicians: they all prefer their own company and admiration to that of others, if you see what I mean....

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:30 PM

And spend far too much time playing with themselves, if you know what I mean...

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:35 PM

Seems like a pretty narrow, short sighted viewpoint, Richard. But you are entitled to it.

I like to thing we are working on a much larger scale, building an international peace movement that transcends national boundaries, and forces national politicians to find alternatives to "diplomacy through war" strategies based upon international grassroots organizations, rather than ossified, conservative institutions that don't seem to be capable of keeping up with world opinions.

Not only that, but the events raise money for worthy causes, as I pointed out with the link to MADRE. Do you have a problem with an international grassroots peace movement that sends direct aid to the victims of the West's war upon the world? I sure don't. In fact, it is most comforting to me to know that my efforts will help women and children who truly need someone in the world to give them aid.

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 02:52 PM

I thought this was about on march 3d all women of the world start withholding sex until the war is either stopped or not started? Can this really be accomplished? Is it worth trying?

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 03:35 PM

If you went to the links you would find out! No, the project has nothing to do with women withholding sex from men. It is the famous Greek comedy writer Aristophanes' anti-war play, written in response to the Pelopomnesian War. By the time he was writing, Athenians were becoming increasingly demoralized at the ways democracy wasn't working...there are many things from the play that resonate with our circumstances today.

Are any of you gentlemen familiar with Aristophanes' political comedies?

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 03:49 PM

Mrzzy, the possibility you raise is another good reason why it's in our best national interests to bar straight men from political leadership and the military. It's nothing to do with heterophobia - it's just that heterosexuals are more vulnerable to this kind of blackmail.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 07:29 PM

Actually translated this one from Greek in a college class. Fond memories of the class prude trying to find a polite translation for "fart". She came up with "passed wind" and I almost did laughing. Politically correct Aristophanes!

Mount Holyoke College put on a very interesting updated version about two years ago. Hilariously graphic and bitterly funny. Yes - we have heard of Aristophanes.

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 08:47 PM

I'm not really familiar with the comedy, actually. But I am becoming familiar with it quickly, now that I'm helping with a reading. It is pretty funny. Funnier than I expected, anyway. I don't have a great deal of enthusiasm for many Greek classical theatre pieces, but maybe that is due to boring readings and performances of them in school.

Subject: RE: BS: Mar 3rd: Lysistrata Peace Project
From: momnopp
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 11:44 PM

Dear Guest (du thread)

If you are not familiar with the Mudcat and it's "inhabitants" the sarcasm in some of the posts above may not come through. Be assured that there are a host of very well-read and highly over-educated folks that participate here and many have a wry sense of humor.

Peruse some of the other threads that pique your interest and get to know us. We're an engaging bunch of nuts once you have.

Thanks for sharing information about this project and please consider picking a name so we can differentiate you from other "Guests".

Peace,

JudyO