‘Lysistrata’: Victory, Though Sound Is Defeated

“Lysistrata,” the latest offering from the Foliage Theater Project, is one of the company’s typically peripatetic productions. As with past Foliage presentations, the play is set in Hancock Park on the manicured grounds outside the Los Angeles County Art and George C. Page museums.

The opening--a swashbuckling battle scene between Athenian and Spartan troops--commences outside the Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater near the park entrance at 6th and Ogden. From there, the actors ambulate to various other locales in the park, with audience members following in their footsteps.

Gilbert Seldes’ translation of Aristophanes’ story about women using their sexual wiles in the cause of peace seems a lively affair--at least the parts that were audible above the stiff wind that was blowing during the reviewed performance. The lighthearted and capable performers battled manfully with the gusty conditions, but much of the dialogue was inaudible.

In keeping with the park’s natural setting, director and company founder Deborah Guyer Greene has kept her productions low-tech and organic. All the lighting is natural, and the actors perform without acoustical enhancement. Still, Greene might consider investing in some body mikes down the line. After all, what’s the point of assembling and drilling a professional company if they can’t ultimately be heard?

The play has been deemed appropriate for all ages, but that’s arguable--not because of the sexual themes of Aristophanes’ cheeky comedy but because it runs two hours without intermission. That’s a long and laborious interval for little ones, who may also have trouble following the story’s intricacies.

Despite its shortcomings, this is a fun, free outing for adults and older children. Just remember to bring lawn chairs or blankets. And be prepared to roam around a bit. Free workshops for children follow each performance.

* “Lysistrata,” Foliage Theater Project, near the Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater behind LACMA, near 6th Street and Ogden Drive. Saturdays-Sundays, 4 p.m. Ends Oct. 8. Free. (310) 284-7974. Running time: 2 hours.