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 specific challenges did you encounter while portraying motherhood in “Agoramana,” and how did you address them?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Co-Director and Writer of “Agoramana”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Aphrodite. “Agoramana” has garnered significant attention in Athens and beyond. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this show?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my observations of motherhood in today’s society. I saw many new mothers struggling with the weight of social expectations, and I wanted to explore their feelings and experiences. The show serves as a mirror reflecting the pressures women face and encourages discussions about the real, often unspoken challenges of parenthood.
**Editor:** The show touches on several profound themes, such as gender roles and obstetric violence. How did you choose to present these serious topics in a way that’s accessible to a diverse audience?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** It’s essential to balance the weight of the topics with humor and relatability. By combining stand-up comedy, documentary-style storytelling, and musical theatre, we create an engaging atmosphere that allows audiences to connect with the narrative emotionally and intellectually. This approach helps facilitate conversations about heavy subjects without overwhelming the audience.
**Editor:** One of the questions posed in the show is whether a woman must become a mother to feel “complete.” What message do you hope the audience takes away regarding societal expectations of motherhood?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope the audience walks away questioning those narratives. The idea that a woman must become a mother to be fulfilled is deeply ingrained in our culture, but it’s not the only path to happiness. By highlighting different perspectives on motherhood and femininity, we aim to empower individuals to define their own sense of completeness, rather than conforming to societal standards.
**Editor:** Each performance features a unique guest who adds their perspective to the show. How has this element influenced the overall experience of “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Inviting different guests enriches the performance and allows for a broader dialogue. Each guest brings their own life experiences and insights, which helps us explore various aspects of the show’s themes. This not only enhances the storytelling but also fosters a sense of community among the audience, as everyone can relate to the issues being discussed to varying degrees.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you hope will resonate with audiences in Patras during this latest run of “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope the show resonates deeply with everyone—mothers, fathers, and everyone in between. I want it to serve as a space for reflection and conversation about the realities of parenthood and gender roles. If we can inspire even a few individuals to explore these themes in their own lives and relationships, then we’ve succeeded.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Aphrodite. We look forward to seeing “Agoramana” in Patras!
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! I’m excited for the audiences to experience the show and engage with its themes.
