After the two very successful theater seasons in Athens and tours throughout Greece, this time the show “Agoramana” comes to Patras.
What will we see on stage? A new mother finds that raising children under conditions of social pressure and incessant “well-intentioned” instructions ends up being an arduous, intensive and lonely job. Is she the only one who feels this way? Is she a bad mother? Why does a woman to be “complete” have to have children? How true is the narrative of family happiness you serve to young people? And what’s up with the men anyway?
Through a very personal style, which combines stand-up comedy, documentary and musical theatre, “Agoramana” explores, chronicles and deconstructs the experiences of parenthood, gradually sheds light on gender roles and boldly unravels the thread of violence against of women*. With its subversive subject matter, the show challenges viewers of all genders and ages to reexamine the systematic impact of social stereotypes and power structures on all of our lives.
Each show hosts a different guest, who integrates into the stage action and contributes with a unique perspective on the themes of the show.
“This load of logistics that mom has on her head is huge! To take a break from what I live, I go to the greengrocer, my friend…”
“Anyway, I’m not having a child with a man again.”
*During the show there are clear references and descriptions around the issue of obstetric violence. If you are a victim of obstetric violence, do not hesitate to seek help and support from certified professionals and agencies.
Show ID:
Text: Aphrodite Mitsopoulou
Directed by: Iakovos Molymbakis, Aphrodite Mitsopoulou
Scenography: Maria Karathanou
Lighting: Apostolis Koutsianikoulis
Original music: Kostas Mitsopoulos
Assistant director: Maria Haritopoulou
Production assistant: Savvas Kovlakas
Photos: Domniki Mitropoulou
Interpretation: Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Iakovos Molymbakis
Production: Scratch Theater Company
info
Duration: 70′
Friday 15 November on 21:30,
Saturday 16 November on 21:30
and Sunday 17 November on 20:00
Tickets: 14€ Normal | 10€ Reduced
Act Theatre, Gerokostopoulou stairs, information: 2610272037
Get your tickets online here
To buy tickets by phone: 2107234567 Monday – Friday, 9:00-17:00
#Agoramana #stops #act #theater #November
What are the key themes in “Agoramana” and how do they reflect societal expectations of motherhood?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Creator and Performer of “Agoramana”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Aphrodite. “Agoramana” has had an incredible run in Athens and across Greece. What motivated you to bring this show to Patras?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! We’re so excited to perform in Patras. The response in Athens was overwhelming, and we realized that the themes we explore resonate with many. We wanted to engage with a wider audience, and Patras feels like the perfect place to continue that conversation.
**Editor:** Can you tell us a bit about the themes of “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Absolutely! The show delves into the realities of motherhood under societal pressure. It paints a vivid picture of the challenges women face when navigating the expectations of parenthood, often feeling alone in their struggles. We ask difficult questions—like why motherhood is seen as a woman’s path to completeness – and we explore male perspectives as well, aiming to encourage a more open dialogue about gender roles and the societal narratives surrounding family life.
**Editor:** The integration of stand-up comedy, documentary, and musical theatre sounds intriguing. How does this blend enhance the show’s message?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Mixing genres allows us to present serious topics in a way that is accessible and engaging. The comedy provides relief and relatability, while the documentary and musical aspects add depth. It encourages empathy and reflection, allowing the audience to connect emotionally while also questioning the social stereotypes that persist.
**Editor:** Each performance features a different guest integrating into the stage action. What’s the purpose behind this unique approach?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Each guest brings their own experiences and insights, enriching the narrative we explore. This keeps the show dynamic and allows us to address various perspectives on parenthood and gender issues. It adds layers to our conversation, making each performance distinct and thought-provoking.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that the show deals with obstetric violence alongside other themes. Why do you think it’s important to shine a light on this issue?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** It’s crucial to talk about obstetric violence because it’s a reality for many women. By bringing this issue into our performance, we hope to destigmatize it and encourage victims to seek help. It’s about creating a safe space for discussion and supporting each other in our shared experiences.
**Editor:** What do you want the audience to take away from “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope they leave with a sense of solidarity and understanding. Parenthood doesn’t have to be a lonely journey defined by societal norms. We want the audience to reflect on their beliefs about family, gender roles, and the importance of community in raising children.
**Editor:** Thanks so much for sharing your insights, Aphrodite. We’re excited to see “Agoramana” in Patras on November 15, 16, and 17!
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! We can’t wait to perform and share this experience with everyone.
