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
How does the unique blend of stand-up comedy, documentary techniques, and musical theatre contribute to the experience of discussing parenthood and gender roles in “Agoramana”?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Creator and Co-Director of “Agoramana”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Aphrodite. ”Agoramana” has garnered much attention after its successful runs in Athens and tours across Greece. Can you tell us what prompted you to explore such complex themes of motherhood and societal expectations?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind “Agoramana” came from observing the immense pressure new mothers face in today’s society. I wanted to create a space where we could talk openly about the challenges of motherhood—the feelings of isolation, the weight of expectations, and the societal narratives that define what it means to be a ‘good mother.’ It’s a deeply personal story that resonates with many.
**Editor:** The show employs a unique blend of stand-up comedy, documentary techniques, and musical theatre. How does this format enhance the conversation you’re trying to create around parenthood and gender roles?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** By combining these different forms of expression, we aim to engage the audience on multiple levels. Humor naturally disarms people and opens up conversations about serious topics. The documentary elements give a realness to the experiences we portray, while music brings an emotional depth that can elevate the messages we’re sharing. It creates a comprehensive experience that encourages reflection and discussion among all attendees.
**Editor:** “Agoramana” also addresses not only the challenges of motherhood but also the theme of obstetric violence. Why did you feel it was important to include this topic in the show?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** The topic of obstetric violence is often brushed aside, yet it’s a significant issue that affects many women. Including it in “Agoramana” allows us to shed light on a painful subject that needs more awareness and dialogue. Our aim is to support those who may have faced this kind of violence, encouraging them to seek help while also educating our audience about its devastating impact on women’s lives.
**Editor:** Each performance of “Agoramana” features a different guest. How do they contribute to the experience?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Each guest brings their own unique perspective and experiences related to the themes of the show. Their participation not only enriches the performance but also helps create a dialogue that resonates with diverse audiences. It transforms every show into a fresh exploration of these important issues, allowing for different conversations to arise each time.
**Editor:** what do you hope audiences take away from “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope audiences leave with a sense of understanding and connection. It’s important to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles, whether they are parents or not. Our goal is to foster a conversation about the pressures we face and challenge harmful stereotypes together. By confronting these narratives, we can support each other and work towards a more equitable future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Aphrodite! We’re looking forward to “Agoramana” being presented in Patras and the conversations it will surely ignite.
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This format captures the essence of the show’s key themes and allows the audience to gain insight into the creative process behind “Agoramana.”
