Getty Villa Outdoor Theater to Host ‘LIZASTRATA’

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Getty Villa welcomes audiences back to its outdoor theater after an 18-month hiatus with performances of “LIZASTRATA,” a retelling of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” set to the greatest hits of Liza Minnelli.

“A hilarious, musical retelling of one of history’s greatest theatrical offerings, ‘LIZASTRATA’ takes on the establishment, storms the Acropolis and holds the treasury hostage until the long-warring men of Athens and Sparta commit to declaring peace,” according to a statement about the show. “Set to a mash-up of Liza Minnelli’s greatest hits, the talented Troubies perform song and dance for a deliciously irreverent romp. No sequins will be spared!”

This is not the first collaboration between the Troubadour Theater Company and Getty: Most recently, the group presented the Getty’s first virtual theater presentation, “The ODDyssey,” which streamed via YouTube. The show was a retelling of Odysseus’ adventure, intended for audiences of all ages.

Other collaborations between the two entities include a 2016 outdoor theater performance of “Haunted House Party” and three theater lab comedies: “Oedipus: The King, Mama!” “For the Birds” and “Abbamemnon.”

“We’re really looking forward to seeing audiences outdoors at the Villa again to help celebrate the return of live theater,” Troubadour Theater Company Artistic Director Matt Walker said in a statement. “And ‘LIZASTRATA’ is about as live as it gets! To say that this ancient comedy is outrageously outlandish is putting it mildly.”

The show contains sexual language, situations and imagery, so it is not recommended for attendees under the age of 15.

“Theater was a fundamental component of religious, social and political life in ancient Greece, and, as our program at the Villa demonstrates, these works still engage and delight modern audiences some 2,500 years later,” said Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle director of the J. Paul Getty Museum. “‘LIZASTRATA’ marks the Getty’s return to in-person programming following a nearly 18-month hiatus, and we are particularly pleased to be able to partner again with the talented Troubies as they are sure to deliver another hilarious performance.”

Performances will take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between September 9 and October 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are between $36 and $48, and available at getty.edu/LIZA or by calling 310-440-7300.