Austin Shakespeare presents a staged reading of the Ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata as reimagined by powerhouse American playwright Ellen McLaughlin. This one-time event will include the play, surprise spectacles, snacks, and cash bar.

Lysistrata is the tale of women from opposing Greek city-states who set aside their polarizing differences and unite to end the Peloponnesian War in a creative, titillating and giggle-inducing fashion. Matronly stormtroopers take over Athens’ public funds while women all across Greece withhold sex from their mates. Desperate for intimacy, the men finally agree to lay down their swords and see their way to achieving diplomatic peace. Between thrusts of phallic humor and anachronistic silliness, this Lysistrata manages to highlight questions of national priorities, humanitarian awareness, and diplomacy vs. violent domination. And there might just be some juggling.