Lysistrata A comedy by Aristophanes (c. 447–385 BC) Directed by Hugh Denard Coordinated by James Claridge Translation by Drue Robinson Hagan

Prior to the outbreak of war in the Middle East, members of the Loft Theatre Company took part in the first ever world-wide theatrical event for peace. Theatre artists from around the world raised their collective voice in protest against war by producing readings of the 2,300 year-old Greek comedy Lysistrata by Aristophanes on the same day.

Lysistrata tells the story of a group of women from opposing city-states who unite in Athens to end the Peloponnesian War. After matronly "stormtroopers" take over the building where public funds are kept, the women rise up to end the war by withholding sex from their menfolk – until, desperate for intimacy, the men finally agree to lay down their swords and find a way to achieve peace through diplomacy.

The reading of the play in the bar at the Loft Theatre was well attended and it was a lively and fun event.

More information on this project can be found on www.lysistrataproject.com

The Lysistrata Players

David Bennett, Helen Brady, James Claridge, Angie Collins, Vanessa Comer, John Corvin, Kathy Crawshaw, Hugh Denard, David Draper, Monica Evans, David Hankins, Roger Harding, Tony Holmes, Caít MacDonald, Gus MacDonald, Dawn Morris, Sue Murdoch, Jacqui Smith, Katy Stell, Anne Wood

• Images from the evening