The Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies hosted an all day celebration of Classics on 3 April 2019, running two sets of workshops for members of the University of the Third Age (U3A), as well as talks for applicants, an afternoon showcasing postgraduate and staff research in the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies, a reception, and a performance of an ancient Greek comedy, Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, by undergraduates in the evening.

The workshops, run by Dr Rosie Wyles, offered members of the U3A an introduction to Greek comedy and explored the issues raised by Aristophanes’ Lysistrata for ancient and modern audiences. Participants had the opportunity to see the play in action by dropping into the dress rehearsal in the afternoon or staying to watch the performance in the evening. In feedback, participants said that they had ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ all aspects of the day and that after attending the workshop, they found that their understanding and appreciation of the performance was much greater.

The performance of Lysistrata in the evening received riotous – and well-deserved – applause. Dr Rosie Wyles said ‘The production was entirely the work of  undergraduates and they produced a fast-paced, brilliantly acted, slick production which was hilarious. They certainly did the ancient playwright justice – it was superb to see them bring the comedy to life’.

The Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies is grateful to the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies and the Institute for Classical Studies, London for their generous support of the workshops and play.