‘I Am Lysistrata’
‘I Am Lysistrata’ brought together ten women from all over the world seeking sanctuary in London, to re-imagine a 2500-year-old comedy about women coming together to end a war.
'There is no beast, no rush of fire, like woman so untamed' Aristophanes, Lysistrata
‘I Am Lysistrata’ worked with ten women seeking sanctuary, and a professional theatre director, playwright and therapist, to create a new and inspiring interpretation of Aristophanes’ ‘Lysistrata’ - performed at The Park Theatre, Finsbury Park, in July 2024.
The project provided refugee women with:
Mental health support through theatre therapy, and access to one-to-one sessions with a qualified psychiatrist as necessary
A chance to build confidence and community, and to tackle isolation
Access to professional dramatic training with our director and playwright, and further opportunities through our project partners - increasing access to employment and diversity in the arts
Signposting and referral to other support services for displaced individuals
A platform to tell their own stories in their own way and be heard.
In addition, the project sought to build tolerance and understanding between displaced groups and other communities in London through the sharing of stories and laughter.
You can read participants’ reflections on our News and Stories page, and see our incredible cast on stage here.
Photography by Rah Petherbridge
Thank you to our generous funders, Arts Council England, National Lottery Community Fund, Maria Bjornson Memorial Foundation and Glastonbury Festival, for all your inspiring support for inclusion in the arts and society. If you would like to find out more about how to apply for Arts Council funding yourself, please visit this page.
"As someone who deeply loves the theatre, and who cares passionately about refugee rights, this project is close to my heart. It is wonderful to see the transformative power of drama being channelled to help refugee women develop confidence, to lift their voices, and to highlight their talents."
Sinéad Cusack, Project Ambassador.
