OXFORD, Miss. — An updated version of the Greek comedy
“Lysistrata” featuring a modern political twist is
scheduled for performances at the University of Mississippi
Nov. 28-Dec. 2 .
Produced by the Department of Theatre Arts, the play is to
be staged in Meek Hall Auditorium at 8 p.m. Wednesday and
Thursday, 7 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m.
Sunday.
Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and
children, and $7 for Ole Miss students with valid IDs.
Tickets are available by calling the UM Box Office at
662-915-7411 or visiting the box office, which is located
in the Student Union.
“Our modernized version of ‘Lysistrata’ purely shows the
audience our political stance on the war between the United
States and Iraq,” said director Jim Shollenberger,
professor of theatre arts.
The department’s version features a wide range of
modern-day characters, Shollenberger said.
“We have taken both political and entertainment figures and
divided them into the good guys and the bad guys. Our cast
portrays people from both ends of the political spectrum,
from Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg to George W. Bush
and Dick Chaney,” he said.
Describing the play as being risque, sexual and political,
Shollenberger said, “I want to be straightforward and say
that we’re not making any apology for our political message
and point of views.”
Heather McMahan of Atlanta, who portrays Rosie O’Donnell,
said the production is unlike anything the theatre
department has ever done.
“This show is hysterically funny. It plays on a little dirt
humor, but in the long run delivers a strong political
message,” said McMahan, a junior theatre arts major.
McMahan said that the costumes for this show are extremely
detailed and add an extra level of interest for the
audience to enjoy.
“‘Lysistrata’ is especially unique because we are
incorporating a lot of facial and body aesthetics,” said
McMahan. “It takes me two-and-a-half hours to get into my
300- to 400-pound body suit that I wear to help portray an
even more ‘lifelike’ version of Rosie O’Donnell.”
Encouraging support from the Lafayette-Oxford-University
community, McMahan said, “Our cast and crew have worked so
hard on this production. This play showcases our hard work
and dedication to the Ole Miss Theatre Department, and we
greatly appreciate support from our fellow students and
community.”
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.
To learn more about the Department of Theatre Arts, visit