Lysistrata

Lysistrata is a Greek comedy play written by Aristophanes in 411 BC. The play tells the story of Lysistrata a woman from Athens who is tired of the constant war between Athens and Sparta. In order to end the war Lysistrata comes up with a plan to organize a sex strike persuading all the women in Greece to refuse to have sex with their husbands until the men agree to make peace. The play is a satirical commentary on the politics and social norms of ancient Greece particularly the absurdity of the constant wars between Greek city-states. It also comments on the power dynamics between men and women in ancient Greek society and the role of women in politics. The play is known for its bawdy humor and its depiction of women as strong and independent challenging the traditional gender roles of ancient Greek society. It has been adapted and reinterpreted numerous times over the centuries and continues to be a popular and influential work in the Western literary canon.