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 inspired you to blend different storytelling styles, such as stand-up comedy and musical theatre, in “Agoramana”?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Co-Director and Playwright of “Agoramana”**
*Editor:* Welcome, Aphrodite! We’re excited to talk about the upcoming performances of “Agoramana” in Patras. After its success in Athens, how do you feel about bringing this show to a new audience?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Thank you! We’re thrilled to bring “Agoramana” to Patras. Each city brings its own unique energy, and we’re eager to see how audiences there will resonate with the themes we’ve explored. It’s an opportunity to open the conversation about motherhood, societal expectations, and gender roles in a fresh context.
*Editor:* The play tackles some heavy subjects regarding motherhood and societal pressures. What can the audience expect in terms of the storytelling style?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Our storytelling is quite personal and eclectic. We blend stand-up comedy, documentary elements, and musical theatre to create a piece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The humor is imperative, as it acts as a bridge to discuss the heavier themes surrounding parenthood and the inherent struggles that come with it.
*Editor:* Can you share a bit about the central character? What challenges does she face that reflect broader societal issues?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* The central character is a new mother grappling with the overwhelming societal pressures to conform to traditional notions of what it means to be a ‘complete’ woman through motherhood. She questions her worth as a mother and faces doubts fueled by well-meaning but intrusive advice from those around her. This internal struggle mirrors the experiences of many women today, highlighting the often unspoken loneliness and isolation that can accompany parenting.
*Editor:* It sounds like the play also addresses issues of obstetric violence. Why was it important for you to include this aspect in the narrative?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Including references to obstetric violence was essential to highlight the darker side of motherhood that is seldom discussed. By bringing these issues to light, we hope to empower women to speak out and seek help if they need it. The show aims to foster an open dialogue about these experiences and encourage support for those affected.
*Editor:* Each performance features a different guest. How does their involvement contribute to the show’s themes?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Each guest brings their own unique experiences and perspectives to the stage, enriching the narrative and broadening the conversation. Their stories help to illustrate the varied realities of parenthood, shedding light on how these issues affect different people in different ways, and reinforcing that none of us are alone in our struggles.
*Editor:* That’s powerful. As you prepare for the upcoming shows in Patras, what do you hope attendees take away from the performance?
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Above all, I hope they leave with a sense of connection – to each other, and to the stories shared on stage. I want them to feel that it’s okay to question societal norms and expectations. If our audience walks away reexamining their own beliefs about motherhood and gender roles, then we’ve done our job.
*Editor:* Thank you, Aphrodite, for sharing your insights with us. We’re looking forward to “Agoramana” and the important conversations it will spark in Patras!
*Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:* Thank you! We can’t wait to share our work with everyone!
