The rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer; that is the basis of the upcoming play “Wealth.”

“Wealth” is a Greek comedy written by Aristophanes and directed by Artemis Preeshl. The play is set after the Peloponnessian Wars in Athens and provides comic relief to the Athenians concerned about the dire state of the economy.

Theater communications junior Alexandra Kennon, who plays Carry, the main character Inida’s sassy and clever confidant, said that even with only three short weeks to prepare, the cast feels ready and is having fun.

Kennon said she is excited to be working with Preeshl as her director for the second time.

“She’s willing to go places that other directors would shy away from. She’s willing to push her audience and trusts them to be open minded and smart enough to follow us on this crazy ride,” Kennon said.

Kennon said the cast wishes to confront the issue of the current state of our economy.

“Uneven distribution of money and all of the issues surrounding it has been a factor in our society since currency existed. Especially with the Occupy Wall Street Movement and the recent fiscal cliff policy, it’s a question that is kind of hard to avoid,” Kennon said.

Preeshl collaborated with Karen Rosenbecker, professor of languages and cultures, to translate and modernize the play. Rosenbecker wanted to give it cultural relevance.

Rosenbecker and Preeshl kept to Aristophanes’ tradition but modernized the show by reversing the genders. Traditional Greek plays have male actors, whereas this version is comprised of a female assembly.

Kennon said she loved that Rosenbecker kept the traditions of Aristophanes alive through pop culture jokes and references to current events that represent Aristophanes’ style and intent.

“Though the dialogue is so wildly different and more modern than the classic script, the plot and theme from 388 BCE are still so relevant and adaptable to our society,” Kennon said. “The Cliffnotes version is that it is funny and leaves the audience with lots of ideas and lots of questions.”

The play debuts on Jan. 30 and will run until Feb. 2 in the Lower Depths Theater. For tickets visit www.montage.loyno.edu.

Lauren Hinojosa can be reached at [email protected]