Lysa and The Freeborn Dames — La Boite

Overview

La Boite's latest production takes inspiration from a classic comedy that was first performed more than 2400 years ago. That said, Claire Christian's Lysa and The Freeborn Dames couldn't be more relevant today. Her first mainstage work for the company, the acclaimed playwright has fashioned her new work as a response to Aristophanes' Lysistrata — the famous Greek effort about women withholding sex to bring an end to the Pelopponnesian war.

In Christian's modern-day tale, 19-year-old Lysa King returns from a trip filled with change and anger, only to find the spirit of the women's marches haven't made it to her tiny home town. So, she decides to protest on a night that'll make people take notice — but when they don't, she's trapped inside the local footy club.

Described as speaking to "the very specific moment in history we are in right now" by La Boite's artistic director Todd MacDonald, the end result stars Barbara Lowing, Roxanne McDonald and Hsiao-Ling Tang. It's a comic, glitter-filled account of female politics, as well as a call to anyone who wants to see the world change but hasn't gotten involved — and the world-premiere production plays La Boite's Roundhouse Theatre from July 21 to August 11.