In Our Time Lysistrata
11 snips
May 9, 2024 
Joining the discussion are Paul Cartledge, an expert in ancient Greek history, Sarah Miles, who specializes in Greek literature, and James Robson, a scholar in ancient Greek comedy. They explore the bold premise of Aristophanes' 'Lysistrata,' where women enact a sex strike to end the Peloponnesian War. The guests unpack themes of gender dynamics, satirical humor, and the real societal concerns woven into comedy. They also discuss how the play reflects Athenian power structures while offering a critique of traditional gender roles, revealing its relevance even today.
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Gender in Greek Theatre
- All actors in ancient Greek plays were male, creating a male-dominated performance space.
- While women were likely present in the audience, they were not the dominant demographic, and the plays often reflected male perspectives and anxieties.
Plot Holes and Implausibilities
- Lysistrata's plot, while impactful, contains logical flaws, like the improbable simultaneous arrival of women from all over Greece.
- The effectiveness of the sex strike relies on a narrow view of sexual activity, ignoring practices like prostitution and masturbation.
The Role of Obscenity
- Obscenity is central to Old Comedy, used for shock value and character development, particularly when women use it in transgression of social norms.
- Aristophanes masterfully uses obscenity to highlight sexual frustration during conflict and its absence during reconciliation.
