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 social issues does ”Agoramana” aim to address regarding motherhood and gender roles?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Creator and Director of “Agoramana”**
**Editor:** Welcome, Aphrodite! It’s exciting to have you here as “Agoramana” comes to Patras after its successful run in Athens. Can you start by sharing what inspired you to create this show?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration for “Agoramana” came from my own experiences and the conversations I’ve had with friends and other mothers. I wanted to shed light on the challenges of motherhood, especially the social pressures that often come with it. The narrative surrounding what it means to be a “complete” woman can feel incredibly restrictive. I wanted to create a space where these feelings could be explored candidly.
**Editor:** Your show combines elements of stand-up comedy, documentary, and musical theatre. How do those different styles enhance the storytelling?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Each style serves to bring out different aspects of the narrative. The stand-up brings humor to the serious topics we tackle, helping to make heavy conversations more approachable. The documentary style invites authenticity, showcasing real-life issues and experiences. And the musical theatre elements provide emotional depth, connecting people through shared feelings and moments. It creates a multifaceted experience that appeals to a broad audience.
**Editor:** One of the central themes appears to be the exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. Why do you think it’s important to challenge these narratives now?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** The detrimental effects of rigid gender roles are felt by everyone, not just women. By challenging these stereotypes, we encourage open conversations about parenthood, identity, and societal expectations. It’s crucial to create a dialogue around the idea that happiness and fulfillment come in many forms—not just through traditional family structures or motherhood.
**Editor:** I’ve heard that each performance features a guest who integrates into the show. Can you tell us more about that?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Absolutely! Each guest brings a unique perspective to the themes we explore. They interact with the cast and share their own insights or stories, enriching the performance. It’s a way to invite different voices and encourage audience engagement, making every show a unique experience.
**Editor:** The show also addresses serious issues like obstetric violence. How do you handle such sensitive topics within the performance?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** We approach these topics with care and respect. While it’s essential to discuss obstetric violence, we aim to do so in a way that is educational and empowering. We encourage anyone who has experienced such trauma to seek help, emphasizing that support is available. Our goal is to raise awareness and foster discussions around these critical issues.
**Editor:** what do you hope audiences take away from ”Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope audiences leave feeling seen and heard. I want them to reflect on their experiences and understand that they’re not alone in their struggles, whether they’re related to parenthood or gender roles. Ultimately, I want to spark conversations that continue beyond the performance, encouraging a more accepting and understanding society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Aphrodite. “Agoramana” sounds like a deeply impactful and relevant show. Best of luck with the upcoming performances in Patras!
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with everyone.
