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Makani in association with Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of
I am Lysistrata
Directed by Sepy Baghaei
'There is no beast, no rush of fire, like woman so untamed' Aristophanes, Lysistrata
A radical modern reimagining of a 2500-year-old Greek comedy about going on strike to end a war, from a company of ten women actors from lands as far flung as Ukraine, Syria and Zimbabwe, now seeking sanctuary in London. A moving, funny and provocative piece about losing homes and making new ones, sisterhood and solidarity.
Expect singing, sauciness and heartfelt moments in this new work from an award-winning creative team including director Sepy Baghaei and playwright Carmen Nasr, devised with the company and drawing on their own untold stories.
I am Lysistrata has been developed using public funding by Arts Council England and with the support of Glastonbury Festival, National Lottery Community Fund, and the Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund. It is produced by Itab Azzam of Makani, whose previous work in theatre and film includes Antigone of Syria and BAFTA-winning documentary Exodus: Our Journey to Europe.
‘Knowing Aristophanes, and knowing Makani, I think this reimagining is going to be thought-provoking, moving, and very, very funny.’ Classicist and presenter Bettany Hughes, Project Ambassador
‘Makani, ‘my place’. Like a torch, they lightened my path, showed me that I can, I actually can, I have what it takes to speak up.’ I am Lysistrata participant Niveen from Syria
Praise for Antigone of Syria:
‘Their performances have a power that put Juliette Binoche in the shade.’ BBC News
‘I could see how the use of this specific text impacted my life and my work for years and I cannot imagine enough how much it changed in the lives of the women who took part of it.’ Hane Alrustm
Artwork by Ella Prendergast.
