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 address the challenges of motherhood in “Agoramana”?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Creator and Director of “Agoramana”**
**Editor:** Welcome, Aphrodite! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Congratulations on the success of “Agoramana.” Can you tell us what motivated you to create a show that delves so deeply into the challenges of motherhood?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! The motivation came from my own experiences and those of the women around me. Raising children in today’s society can be overwhelming due to social pressures and constant unsolicited advice. I wanted to create a space where these feelings can be explored openly and humorously.
**Editor:** The show combines stand-up comedy, documentary, and musical theatre. How do you think this eclectic mix enhances the storytelling?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** The combination allows us to approach serious themes with a light heart while still kicking off important conversations. Comedy can be a powerful tool for unpacking difficult topics like gender roles and maternal expectations. It makes the experience truthful but also entertaining and accessible for everyone.
**Editor:** One theme that stands out is the exploration of gender roles and the societal narrative around motherhood. How does “Agoramana” challenge these stereotypes?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** We question why a woman has to be “complete” through motherhood or why asking for help is viewed negatively. We highlight that these narratives are not universal and can be harmful. By illustrating the emotional and physical burdens placed on mothers, we encourage all audiences to reexamine these norms critically.
**Editor:** It sounds like an empowering message. Can you share what audiences can expect from the guest appearances integrated into each show?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Each guest adds a unique perspective that enriches the narrative. They bring their own experiences to the conversation, allowing for a more diverse exploration of the themes we touch on. Their stories often resonate emotionally with both the cast and the audience, making each performance a distinct experience.
**Editor:** With “Agoramana” coming to Patras, what do you hope the audience takes away from the show?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope they leave feeling seen and understood. Some might laugh, some might cry, but ultimately, I want them to feel empowered to question their own roles and biases. If we can spark even a small change in how we view parenthood and gender roles, I consider that a success.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Aphrodite. We look forward to the performances in Patras!
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! I can’t wait for our weekend in Patras and hope to see everyone there!
