With Lysistrata, the AnglistenTheater at the University of Augsburg brings a modern adaptation of one of the most famous anti-war plays in theatre history to the stage. American playwright Ellen McLaughlin’s version is based on the ancient comedy by the Greek playwright Aristophanes and combines its biting humour with a contemporary perspective on war, power, and gender roles. The performances in English will take place on June 18, 19, 22, and 23, 2026, at 8:00p.m. in Lecture Hall II of the University of Augsburg (Building C – Large Lecture Hall Center). Tickets priced at €10 (regular), €5 (concessions) and €15 (supporters) are available from June 3rd at Taschenbuchladen Krüger (near Königsplatz) or can be reserved via a link on the AnglistenTheater website.

At the centre of the play is the Athenian woman Lysistrata, who, in the face of a never-ending and destructive war, devises a radical plan: the women of Greece refuse their husbands love and sex until the men finally agree to make peace. What initially appears to be a ridiculous idea develops into a clever, provocative, and surprisingly timely exploration of violence, political responsibility, and the possibilities of social resistance.
Ellen McLaughlin’s adaptation preserves the anarchic wit and satirical force of the ancient original while also giving the characters greater psychological depth and emotional complexity. Between sharp dialogue, grotesque situations, and deeply moving moments, Lysistrata raises questions that remain urgently relevant today: How much time does it take before people are willing to end violence? Which voices are ignored in political conflicts? And what form can resistance take when traditional power structures fail?

American playwright and actor Ellen McLaughlin is considered one of the leading contemporary authors of modern adaptations of classical material. Her plays have been performed internationally, including at the Public Theater in New York, the Almeida Theatre in London, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting. McLaughlin also became widely known as the original performer of the Angel in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America.
The AnglistenTheater at the University of Augsburg looks back on a long tradition of English-language theatre. Since its founding in 1980 by Rudolf Beck, the ensemble has produced more than 50 productions and established itself as a permanent fixture of Augsburg’s student cultural scene. Around 25 students participate in the productions each semester, contributing both on and off stage in acting, set design, technical production, costumes, make-up, and organization.

With Lysistrata, the ensemble presents a production that combines comic lightness with political relevance. Balancing satirical wit and serious reflection, the play unfolds as a timeless exploration of war, social responsibility, and the power of collective action.

Performance Details
• Title: Lysistrata (Ellen McLaughlin after Aristophanes)
• Performance Dates: Thursday, June 18; Friday, June 19; Monday, June 22; and Tuesday, June 23, 2026,
at 8:00 p.m.
• Venue: Lecture Hall II, University of Augsburg, Building C – Large Lecture Hall Center, Universitätsstraße
10, 86159 Augsburg (5 minutes on foot from tram line 3 stop “Universität”)
• Tickets: €10 (regular), €5 (concessions) and €15 (supporters) are available from June 3rd at
Taschenbuchladen Krüger, Färbergäßchen 1, Augsburg. Ticket reservations can also be made via a link
on the AnglistenTheater website.
• Website: https://uni-a.de/to/anglistentheater

Press Contact
Email: anglistentheater@philhist.uni-augsburg.de
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