Chi-Raq
By Spike Lee
Chi-Raq is a film by Spike Lee, a prominent Black director whose films centre around racism and anti-black violence in America. He takes Lysistrata and places it in the gang wars of Chicago, translating the war against Sparta in the original play into a gang war, and using myth-related nicknames to remind the audience of the original source. The film delves more into the way black neighbourhoods are treated, especially by white authorities who encourage the violence. Greater themes of systemic racism and gun crime are explored, as well as feminism within these conflicts and how women can protest (citing activists like Leymah Gbowee who used sex strikes for protests). It shows how Greek plays can both be made more relevant to a modern audience, as well as how it can be translated to act as a voice for marginalised communities.
Film, Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions, 2015.
Read Edith Hall’s review of the film, which explores its connection with the original play.
Watch the film on Amazon Prime Video