Idler to Perform 'Lysistrata Over Administration Protest'

Radcliffe's dramatic group, Idler, will produce Aristophanes' comedy "Lysistrata in defiance of a protest by the Radcliffe administration that the play is "vulgar."

The decision to produce the play despite official disapproval was announced yesterday by Idler president Irene O'Neil '51 after a special meeting with Idlers' executive board. The group had intended to make a routine announcement of his intention to produce the play at a tea and candidate meeting Tuesday.

The party was spoiled a few minutes before it started, however, when Idler officers were presented with the administration's message. They deliberated until today before deciding to ignore the Radcliffe authorities.

The decision was based partly on the fact that the protest did not actually forbid the production, but only strongly disapproved of it. It warned that "proper polish" should be used.

The production is scheduled for December 15 and 16 in Agassiz Theatre. Tryouts for parts will be held Thursday October 26, from 2:30 to 4:30 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Agassiz Theatre. There are ten male and ten female parts open.

Action in the play revolves around the efforts of Athenian and Spartan woman to end the war between the two cities by not going to bed with their husbands. Naturally the men can't fight a war without sleep.

Norman Ashton, a drama instructor at Tufts, will direct the play, which will be given in English. Ashton is now directing a production of Shakespeare's "Twelth Night" at M.I.T.