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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Lysistrata, Aristophanes classic comedy that still has the power to stir controversy, is well served by this modern (1964) translation by Douglass Parker. At first I thought the translation was bit too heavy on the ‘summer of love’. For example, compare: |
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“Lysistrata was great. It was an ancient, feminist, 'women kick so much ass' sort of book, and for that I loved it. Before I was assigned to it I had never heard the title, but upon reading it I was so pleased that these women, as oppressed as they were, were using essentially the only power they had over the men - sex. That's hilarious and delightful. Although I'm not exactly a connoisseur of ancient Greek plays, but in my opinion this was well written, with a surprising amount of comedy included. I would definitely recommend it as a quick and entertaining read.
Madison S wrote this review Friday, November 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Lysistrata was first (I think) banned in 1873 because it was lewd, indecent, filthy, and obscene. This ban was lifted in 1930. It was banned in Europe during WWII because of its strong anti-war theme. It was banned again in 1967 in Greece, once again for it's anti-war theme.
Personally, I'm surprised that more emphasis wasn't put on its overt sexuality when it was banned. ”
“Funny greek stuff!”
AlliMari wrote this review Thursday, August 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Hilarious, short play of women taking control of men using their power of sex”
Lydia S wrote this review Monday, June 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The only play I've read so far is Lysistrata which I found thoroughly amusing. ”
mary g wrote this review Thursday, May 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I never thought I would find an ancient Greek play a fun and quick read! How do you stop a war? Withhold sex! The bawdy humor and play on words was great. If you are leery of trying to read a Greek classic, then I would say start with Lysistrata. Over 2,000 years old and still funny. Now that's talent!”
Suzanne wrote this review Wednesday, December 24 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Lysistrata, Aristophanes classic comedy that still has the power to stir controversy, is well served by this modern (1964) translation by Douglass Parker. At first I thought the translation was bit too heavy on the ‘summer of love’. For example, compare:
Laura and Eric wrote this review Saturday, August 9 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
KLEONIKE- “Hello to you Lysistrata
But what’s the fuss? Don’t look so barbarous, baby;
knitted brows just aren’t your style.” (p.16, Parker)
CALONICE - “Good day Lysistrata.
But what has vexed you so? Tell me, child.
What are these black looks for? It doesn't suit you
To knit your eyebrows up glumly like that.” (Project Gutenberg, Jack Lindsay, translator)
But as the play goes on, Parker hits his stride and the translation sounds modern, but not jarringly so. He renders the Spartan dialog in rustic English, which helped me ‘get’ the point of several scenes that were previously lost on me.
”
“So many times after I read this play, I would watch a contemporary movie or read a contemporary book and see how it was the same story, just re-worked. The themes in classic plays are universal and eternal - understanding them makes everything else more comprehensible. ”
Brandlynn wrote this review Monday, May 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really like this book so far beacuse in this book the women are really powerfull they would not let a man hold them down!”
Souwanna Y wrote this review Friday, May 9 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Who'd have thought an old Greek play could be so HILARIOUS??? Of course, the translation helped immensely! It really put the social life of the Athenians into context for a girl living in the 21st century.”
The Black Jackal wrote this review Tuesday, April 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“In school-project. Classical Sexual Politics. ”
tishiejean wrote this review Friday, March 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
