Kevin Neher

Spectrum Theatre group

Student drama group updates "Lysistrata"

Spectrum Theatre, a student organization created to reach across racial and other barriers that divide people, presents the Aristophanes classic, "Lysistrata," Jan. 21-22 and 26-29 at 8 p.m. in the Student Activities Building, which seats 325. Tickets are on sale for $5 on the Lawn and at the Newcomb Hall box office and also will be sold at the door.

The Spectrum production of the Ancient Greek play is set in the Vietnam War era and applies Aristophanes' critique of gender roles to our own time. Though both societies are dominated by men, they stereotype both genders, depicting women as sex objects and men as aggressors. Aristophanes sought to liberate both men and women by emphasizing a sense of respect for the dignity of human life.

Begun a year ago, the student company performed a multi-racial version of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in the civil rights era, last January and "Voices of the Class," a play based on U.Va. students' admissions essays last fall.