Name: Lysistrata - Ellen McLaughlin
Start: 2026-06-22T22:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-06-23T00:15:00+02:00
Location: Hörsaal II

A clever ancient drama with contemporary currents on the stage of the University of Augsburg

With Lysistrata, the AnglistenTheater of the University of Augsburg presents one of the most famous anti-war comedies in theater history in Ellen McLaughlin's modern adaptation. The evening combines satirical sharpness with psychological precision and focuses on war, power, and gender roles – a theatrical experience that closely intertwines classical themes with current questions.

When resistance becomes theater

At the center is Lysistrata, who aims to stop the war with a radical plan: The women refuse their husbands' love until peace negotiations finally take place. What at first glance sounds like a provocative farce unfolds an astonishing depth in McLaughlin's adaptation. The dramaturgy works with pointed dialogues, grotesque situations, and moments of quiet tension, in which the theatrical atmosphere becomes palpably denser.

Ancient template, modern impact

McLaughlin's adaptation takes nothing away from the anarchic comedy of the original, but sharpens its emotional core. The characters gain psychological contours, and the satirical movement becomes a serious reflection on political responsibility and collective resistance. This is precisely the strength of this production: It does not think of the old comedy as a museum piece, but as a vibrant contemporary theater.

English-language stage art with student energy

The AnglistenTheater of the University of Augsburg has a long tradition of English-language productions dating back to 1980. Around 25 students work each semester on, behind, and beside the stage to create a shared theatrical experience. This mix of ensemble spirit, joy of performance, and precise scene work shapes the production and gives the evening its special immediacy.

The venue: Lecture Hall II as an unusual resonance space

The performance takes place in Lecture Hall II in Building C of the University of Augsburg's Central Lecture Hall Center. Its location close to the tram stop University, good accessibility, and clear campus structures make the visit uncomplicated. At the same time, a specific tension arises in this place between academic space and theatrical presence – a framework that suits the political sharpening of the piece well.

An evening between mockery, seriousness, and hope

Lysistrata promises no cheap ancient gothic, but a vigilant, clever, and fast-paced theatrical experience. Those who love theater as a space for thought will experience a performance that seduces with wit, sharpens with clarity, and resonates with its political relevance. Seeing this piece live means recognizing the present in the mirror of antiquity.