It’s 2022. I’ve been let loose on the Scottish streets, screaming at the swarms of people

and performers present for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that they should come see my show over the

3000+ available options: a feminist adaptation of Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound. I spend my time away from performing and promoting to slowly check off shows from my own list. One of those shows is another feminist play, and despite my deep love of social justice theatre, I leave frustrated. I’m tired of seeing this genre stop at surface-level questions. Are women people? Should queer people be treated right? Yes. Absolutely. Let’s start there.

That summer, the repeal of Roe v. Wade was aggravatingly fresh and the 4B Movement in South Korea saw increasing international recognition. When I asked myself what I would personally sacrifice in order to be treated “right”- equitably, empathetically, lovingly- as a queer, feminine person, my frustration grew. Why should I have to sacrifice my own pleasure just because men can’t behave?

I needed an outlet– not just for myself, but for the frustrations that my close friends faced, too. I needed a way to share the often untold stories of people not only fighting for their own equality, but their own empowerment. After remembering Aristophanes’ iconic clash of the sexes, The Lysistrata Project was born, and I find it exceedingly meaningful that this play came to fruition when it did. This period in my life has been defined by embracing my queerness, deconstructing patriarchal attitudes and expectations, and figuring out what kind of activist I want to be. I’ve been blessed to create and explore the lives of these courageous, complicated characters that allow me space to unpack it all. While there is some grief that comes with that process, there is far, far more joy. 

Even then, I thought entrusting this story to anyone else would be daunting. I delight in being proven wrong every step of the way. Over 30 people who believed in this project lent their voices to the research and development of this script, with their lived experiences and perspectives informing the virtues and flaws of the characters you are about to meet. My incredible cast has interpreted these stories with indisputable talent, bringing them to life with care, creativity, charm, and of course, a healthy amount of chaos. Behind the scenes, my creative team for this show has been endlessly reliable, and I’ve relished the opportunity to grow as artists with both new and old friends. Even further beyond that, I’ve enjoyed connecting with both

friends and strangers over “this project I’m working on” and receiving the sincerest excitement in response. 

Now, as you enjoy this premiere production of The Lysistrata Project, I hope you share in our collective joy.