The Hellenic Theatrical Workshop and the Patras Amateur Scheme “Refene” presented the show “Crying in Greek” at the Theater Center Communautaire de Joli Bois, Avenue du Haras 100 – 1150 WSP, 18 and 19/10/2024.
And what better way to narrate the journey and this experience, from the mouths of the Refenedos themselves, as they recorded them on paper in the form of notes:
“1. We started under adverse conditions but at Brussels airport we were greeted by a Japanese woman playing Beethoven on the piano, a TV crew set up for someone named – who was coming behind us – and three friends from the “Workshop” who hosted us in their homes (!) We had lunch at Apostolos’ house and drew up the plan of action.
2. Autumn outside with all the colors of leaves on the trees. Walls without posters, sidewalks without potholes, streets without electricity poles and an overwhelming silence. Architecture at its peak, every house taken from the puzzles we used to make as children. Domes, attics without shutters, pitched roofs and all kinds of tiles. The speed limit for cars is only 30 km and if you don’t learn quickly to walk on the cobblestones, you are in danger from a cyclist.
3. Our friends gave us 10 journey cards (each) for the Metro and took us to the theater which they freely manage (with keys etc) without owning it, since it belongs to the Cultural Center of the Community of Woluwe Saint Pierre , a suburb 8 kilometers away from the center of Brussels. Of course, the board smells the same as here in Patras. Behind the scenes too. At the premiere, however, there are white roses for the ladies and Belgian chocolates for the gentlemen. The director and father of the “Workshop” Tasos Nychas has taken care of all this and much more from an early stage. He comes first and leaves last!
4. In the mornings, our “Foreign Zeus” Apostolos Ioakeimidis introduces us to the European Parliament, the royal parks, the museums, the dreamy squares and canals, the fried potatoes, the tarts, the waffles, the mussels, all the tribes of the world that march side by side, the carriages, the trams, the outdoor artists, the stock market and the theatres, the school trips, the bazaars, the armored cars and the endless chocolates with flavors for every taste.
5. Georgia Nykha, Francis Nikolian, Manos Nychas, Dimitris Sachas, Odysseas Panopoulos, Elena Tassioula, George Alexakis, Nikolas Hatzoudis, Rita Dinapoia, and many others… always appear and leave at the right moment to solve problems, set up scenes, organize parties, wash dishes, cut tickets, take pictures, make lights, call shops to treat us. Quietly, instantly and simply.
6. The modular representation. The first part theirs, the second part ours. Crying and laughing together. Greek reality played abroad. Our very life. We’ve known each other for years, the two teams, and we didn’t know it. Cooperation at such a level cannot be explained otherwise. Spectators excited to ask details, asking to do it again, delegations of other groups from the Greek community of Brussels also came. No one wanted to leave and Georgia had taken care of that. In the foyer, excellent wine was offered to bond friendships and acquaintances. Agavni Bagdikian gave us a gift of a painting she had painted herself with a full-blown smile. What are these all called? How;;
7. On the Sunday when we were leaving, the SAME TEAM was playing charades for the children. Everyone had their role, Karagiozis, Hatziavatis, Stavrakas, etc. The performance that was played from 16:00-18:00 in the afternoon was sold out. The “Workshop” on full alert. But we had to leave at 17:30 for the airport. That is, before the curtain. So those who didn’t play, accompanied us in their cars and Apostolos had left us the keys to the house, to eat food he had bought since Saturday, and when we left – they said – to leave the key under the pot. Along with the key we also left our heart.
8. See you again brothers!”.
PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS
GREEK THEATER WORKSHOP
One-acts: (“The Unemployed” and “Hysteria”, from the work of Skurtis “Pieces and Pieces” performed by the Art Theater in 1976, in a suitable adaptation with the one-acts “The Gambling” and “Scenes of the Street”) The these one-act plays, which with a careful dramatic composition highlight aspects of gender violence, were written in an “unsuspected” time, when such issues, although they existed, did not reach the public
Directed by: Tasos Nychas / Starring (in alphabetical order): Giorgos Alexakis, Rita Dinapoia, Tasos Nychas, Odysseas Panopoulos, Dimitris Sachas, Elena Tassioula, Nikos Hatzoudis
AMATEUR SCHEME OF PATRAS REFENE
One-acts:
1. Stamatis and Tasia, by Thanasis Papageorgiou
(in the land of the bright orange we know it all)
2. “O TEMPORA O MORES” by Georgia Dalkos (Momos 2022/Text Award)
(Wedding, baptism, funeral – package – for reasons of economy)
3. “TO STAVROPODI” by Elena Housni (Momos 2021/Text Award)
(When women cross their legs)
4. The class of ΄85 of Stavroula Pagonas
(Greece is not for fairy tale heroes)
Directed by: Yiannis Georgakakis
Costumes: Chrysla Mella, Lili Koutrouki, Christina Kalivioti
Cast (in alphabetical order): Irini Galiatsatou, Yiannis Georgakakis, Christina Kaliviotis, Lili Koutrouki, Chrysla Mella, Natalia Bessarabi, Andreas Skiadaresis, Lefteris Specieris
Tickets available: more.com, ellther1984@gmail.com, tel. 0495 210038
Refene’s team started on the morning of Tuesday, October 15 with a 10-member delegation and returned early on Monday, October 21.
#Brussels #Refene #a.. #Weeping #Greek #PHOTO
The content describes a vibrant and culturally rich experience in Brussels, particularly through the lens of a theater workshop called “Refene”. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Atmosphere of Brussels: The narrative portrays an idyllic view of Brussels during autumn, with picturesque architecture, serene streets, and a charming ambiance where pedestrians and cyclists share the roads.
- Theater Experience: The writers received Metro journey cards from friends and attended a theater managed by the Cultural Center of Woluwe Saint Pierre. The event was filled with thoughtful touches like white roses and chocolates, indicating a warm hospitality influenced by the director, Tasos Nychas.
- Cultural Exploration: Apostolos Ioakeimidis, referred to as “Foreign Zeus”, led the group through significant landmarks in Brussels, introducing them to local cuisine and cultural diversity.
- Community Spirit: A sense of camaraderie among the theater troupe (which included names like Georgia Nykha and Manos Nychas) was highlighted, as they all contributed to the success of the performances efficiently and without fuss.
- The Performance: The theater showcased Greek-themed one-act plays addressing the theme of gender violence, emphasizing the importance of these social issues even decades ago.
- Shared Experiences and Farewells: On the day of departure, even as everyone was engaged in an entertaining charades performance for children, the writer’s group received heartfelt farewells, underscoring the connections made during their stay.
- Reflections on Connection: The interaction with the local Greek community fostered friendships and a sense of belonging, symbolized by shared meals and gifts exchanged among the participants.
- The Community Theater: The closing remarks reflect on the collaborative atmosphere of culture and creativity, making it clear that the experiences shared were not just artistic performances but a means to explore Greek identity abroad.
The narrative showcases how art can forge deep connections across cultures while illustrating the beauty and charm of Brussels in the process.
Buted to the success of the performances by taking on various roles behind the scenes. Their efforts, from setting up stages to handling logistics, created a unified and vibrant team atmosphere.
- Unique Performances: The showcase included a blend of Greek theatrical works, with themes addressing gender violence and societal issues presented in an engaging manner, accompanied by talented acting from the group.
- Shared Experiences: The interactions between the participants and local communities were underscored by personal connections made through shared performances, food, and wine, nurturing friendships across cultures.
- Children’s Activities: The efforts to involve the younger audience were evident in performances themed around charades, demonstrating the group’s commitment to include families and children in their cultural initiatives.
- Memorable Farewells: As the group prepared to leave, a sense of nostalgia filled the air, with fond conversations and heartwarming gestures symbolizing the bonds formed during their stay.
the experience in Brussels not only showcased the richness of Greek culture but also highlighted the importance of community, collaboration, and the transformative power of theater in connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
