Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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Sexual humor, phallic jokes make for hearty laughs

Guest Author

The Chadron State Theatre Department is performing Aristophanes’ classic anti-war comedy “Lysistrata,” which has been adapted by Ellen McLaughlin, this weekend in Memorial Hall.  The play will be performed Thursday through Sunday in the Black Box Theatre.

“Lysistrata” centers on the women of the Peloponnesian War, fought between Athens and Sparta.  Lysistrata, an Athenian woman, has devised a plan to end the war without anymore killing or spending of money.  The plan consists of the women in the two cities becoming abstinent and taking control of the city funds until the men stop fighting and come to a peace agreement.

While the play’s language has been adapted for modern language, the content and form have stayed true to the original play.  The play is set up into various episodes, or mini scenes, divided by the commentary of the chorus.  Christina Morris, freshman of Great Falls, Mont., and Shanda Shappell, freshman of Malcolm, create the chorus, who gives background information along with their own opinions.

Douglas Valade, left, sophomore of Gering, Craig Phillips, freshman of Torrington, Wyo., and Laven Adair, junior of Hot Springs, S.D., threaten people with lighters in order to obtain the key to the money vault. —Photo by Ashley Swanson
Douglas Valade, left, sophomore of Gering, Craig Phillips, freshman of Torrington, Wyo., and Laven Adair, junior of Hot Springs, S.D., threaten people with lighters in order to obtain the key to the money vault. —Photo by Ashley Swanson

The simple set, consisting of a two-step octagonal platform, allows for the setting to be explained by the cast members, and for free movement around the room.  This setting is different than many sets seen in the Black Box, because the seating is on all four sides of the platform.

The colorful and imaginative costumes added to the humor and were also very provocative.  They added a fun flare to the play and reactions of both the actors and audience.

Lysistrata is incredibly crude, which makes this play for mature audiences only.  The play includes profound lewd humor, making it the perfect play for a college performance.  Much of the play has an abundance of sexual humor and phallic jokes.

Sara Labor, senior of Hot Springs, S.D., plays the leading lady, Lysistrata, who is the “ring leader” for the women.  She must try to maintain control over her plan and the women remaining abstinent.  Her ability to remain in control wanes as the men return from the war, ready to bed their wives, who are yearning for their husbands.  One of my favorite lines from the play is when Lysistrata complained; “Trying to keep these women in line is like trying to heard cats!”

I highly recommend spending an hour to go and see “Lysistrata,” and have a good laugh, and possibly take a tissue in case you laugh so hard you start crying!