[Production]

LYSISTRATA

“Make love, not war!” — Ancient Greek comedy comes to life

Tired of the endless Peloponnesian War between Athens, Sparta and their allies, the feisty Lysistrata made a bold move. She unites the women of rival city states in a sex strike against their men — no sex until peace!

Not only that but the women also occupy the Acropolis, where Athens’ treasury is located. Radical, original and effective, the strategy inevitably brings the desired result.

Aristophanes’ ancient Greek comedy is brought to life by a unique adaptation by Katerina Evangelatos and Nick Rongjun Yu, which brings the female experience to the forefront, illuminating the timeless agonies of conflict while confronting deeply rooted gender inequalities. It begs the question: how much has really changed since then?

Bursting with music, movement and irreverent humour, this exuberant production marks the first presentation of Lysistrata on the Chinese stage — an invitation to laugh, reflect and revel in theatre’s timeless power.

Commissioned by Hong Kong Arts Festival

Co-produced by Hong Kong Arts Festival Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre

World Premire 11 - 19 April 2026, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center

Creatives

Original Author: Aristophanes Director & Original Script Adaptation: Katerina Evangelatos Chinese Script Adaptation: Nick Rongjun Yu

Set Designer: Eva Manidaki Composer: Alex Drakos Ktistakis Choreographer: Patritsla Apergi Costume & Make-up Designer: Vasiliki Syrma Assistant Director: Alexandros Panou Assistant Set Designers: Katerina Vlahbey Eleni Arapostathi Assistant Choreographer: Eleni Anna Zoi

Music Director: Jiang Qinghua Lighting Designer: Wang Beijun Assistant Director: Luo Xi Prop Designer: Liu Yiping Sound Designer: Wang Yixuan Technical Designer: Xu Xiangen

Script Translators Wu Yifan (English to Chinese) Amy Ng (Chinese to English)