The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will contribute to the ongoing Year of Democracy celebration with its production of the controversial and classic Greek comedy "Lysistrata," on the Main Stage of the campus Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and April 2, 3, 4, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on March 22, 29 and April 5.

"Lysistrata," written by Aristophanes and translated by Sarah Ruden, was first performed in Athens in 411 B.C. The play tells the story of the women of Greece as they unite to end the wars that have taken their husbands far from home. Led by Lysistrata, the women take an oath to withhold sexual contact until the men stop the wars. Hilarity ensues as the women, not happy with the strike themselves, struggle to curb their own urges even as their husbands beg for their marital rights.

A classical masterpiece with sexual hijinx, phallic props and slapstick comedy, "Lysistrata" also presents political and social satire that still rings true today.

The show is not recommended for children.

The director is John Loprieno, Moorpark College faculty member.

For tickets, call the box office at (805) 378-1485 or go to www .moorparkcollege.edu/pac.

For more information about the show, call Loprieno at (805) 378-1469 or e-mail jloprieno @vcccd.edu.