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 Aphrodite Mitsopoulou to address the themes of motherhood and societal expectations in “Agoramana”?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Co-Director and Writer of “Agoramana”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Aphrodite! “Agoramana” has received incredible acclaim in Athens and other cities in Greece. What inspired you to bring this show to Patras specifically?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! Patras is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, and I believe it’s important for our work to reach diverse audiences. After such positive feedback in Athens, we felt it was time to engage with more communities, especially one that values thought-provoking performances like “Agoramana.”
**Interviewer:** For those who haven’t seen the show yet, could you share what the audience can expect when they attend?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Absolutely! The play centers around the transformative yet challenging journey of motherhood. It dives into the pressures and expectations placed on women in our society and explores the often unspoken struggles of new mothers. Through a unique blend of stand-up comedy, documentary-style storytelling, and musical theatre, we aim to break down misconceptions around parenthood, femininity, and societal roles. It’s both entertaining and deeply reflective.
**Interviewer:** That sounds powerful. You address heavy themes such as social stereotypes and even obstetric violence. How do you navigate such sensitive topics while maintaining the audience’s engagement?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** It’s crucial to handle these topics with care and respect. We aim to use humor and personal anecdotes to create a relatable atmosphere where audience members can empathize with the characters. By incorporating laughter, we create a space for dialogue about serious subjects. It’s about finding that balance between lightness and depth, enabling us to make these discussions feel accessible.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that each show features a different guest contributing their perspective. Can you tell us more about that aspect?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Yes! Each guest brings a unique voice that enriches the narrative. They integrate into our staged discussions, often sharing their own experiences related to the themes of motherhood and societal expectations, which adds layers to our performance. It encourages the audience to see these issues from multiple viewpoints, fostering a broader discussion.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope the audience takes away from “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** My greatest hope is that viewers leave with a new understanding of the pressures mothers face and a willingness to challenge societal norms surrounding gender roles and motherhood. We want to encourage conversations that can foster empathy and change. Ultimately, we want people to reflect on their own perceptions of family, happiness, and the responsibilities we assign to each other.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Aphrodite! “Agoramana” seems like a must-see for those interested in the realities of parenthood and gender dynamics.
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with the Patras audience and hearing their thoughts on the performance. We hope to see many of you there!
**Show Dates:** November 15, 16, and 17 at Act Theater, Patras. Don’t miss it!