Looking for social commentary with dancing girls? Dennis Christilles, Kansas University professor of theater and film, delivers with his comedic production “A Congress of Women,” based on the ancient play “Ecclesiazusae” by Aristophanes.

As the play’s creator and director, Christilles uses the framework of Aristophanes’ play to present a contemporary script that examines the notion of women rising to ultimate political power.

“The idea of women taking over the government probably seemed like a much crazier idea in Aristophanes’ day than it does now,” Christilles says. “However, this adaptation concentrates on the importance of participation in government and the unfortunate consequences when one does not participate.”

He notes that society often favors the image of progress over actually achieving progress.

The adaptation took about six months to create and features six original songs by Christilles. As a result, the production incorporates singing and dancing, putting a modern spin on the aged play.

Christilles says the “dances add an exotic ‘other world’ quality to the music.”

Actors rehearse for the University Theatre play A

The cast of 18 – 13 of whom are women – was required to learn musical numbers and dance routines in addition to individual roles. Dale Buchheister, who plays Aristophanes, says the most difficult part was developing different voices for his characters.

“I get to be slightly schizophrenic with my character,” he says.

During the parabasis, a short digression by Aristophanes, Christilles cleverly cooked up a conversation among Aristophanes, Socrates and Plato. However, instead of casting two more characters, he fabricated puppets.

“It is three distinct personalities, but in one conversation (Aristophanes) is having with himself,” Christilles says.

With excitement, Buchheister describes the play as gross, immature and illuminating, yet entertaining.

Christilles’ ultimate goal for the production is a comedic expression exposing the silliness and deceit of the world around us.

He hopes audiences will be amused.

“I think part of the enjoyment of any play is letting it unfold without a road map,” Christilles says. “Plays offer up a look at the world around us. Sometimes we see ourselves in the play. Sometimes we see others. Mostly we see ourselves and believe that we are seeing someone else.”