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 Aphrodite Mitsopoulou’s blend of stand-up comedy, documentary, and musical theater shape the narrative of “Agoramana”?
**Interview with Aphrodite Mitsopoulou, Creator and Director of “Agoramana”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Aphrodite! “Agoramana” has had an incredibly successful run in Athens and across Greece. What motivated you to bring the show to Patras now?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you! We are thrilled to share “Agoramana” with the audience in Patras. Our journey has shown us how relatable the themes of this show are across different communities. We want to encourage important conversations about parenthood and societal expectations, and visiting Patras allows us to reach new audiences who can connect with these issues.
**Interviewer:** The central character in “Agoramana” faces substantial social pressure as a new mother. What are some of the key issues that the show addresses regarding motherhood?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** The show dives deep into the complexities of modern motherhood, highlighting feelings of isolation and the overwhelming expectations that society places on women. It poses critical questions: Is it normal to feel lost? Are these pressures making women feel like bad mothers? We want the audience to reflect on the narrative of family happiness often portrayed in media and how that affects real lives.
**Interviewer:** Your approach combines stand-up comedy, documentary, and musical theater. How does this blend of styles enhance the storytelling?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** By mixing genres, we create an engaging and multifaceted narrative that resonates on different emotional levels. The humor in stand-up allows us to tackle heavy themes without overwhelming our audience, while documentary elements ground our story in real experiences. The music enriches the overall atmosphere, making the experience more compelling and relatable.
**Interviewer:** The show also tackles broad themes such as gender roles and violence against women. Why do you think it’s essential to include these topics in a theatrical production?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** These issues are integral to understanding the experience of motherhood today and, indeed, womanhood. By addressing them in a public forum, we can encourage conversation and awareness. It’s crucial for all genders to engage with these topics, as they impact everyone in different ways and can lead to a greater understanding and change.
**Interviewer:** Each performance features a different guest who offers their perspective. Why did you choose this format?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Inviting guests allows us to diversify the conversation and enrich the audience’s experience. Each guest brings unique insights that resonate with the show’s themes, challenging both the cast and the spectators to broaden their understanding. We believe that every voice matters and contributes significantly to the discourse surrounding these issues.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope audiences will take away from “Agoramana”?
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding motherhood, an awareness of the societal pressures women face, and a sense of solidarity. We want to ignite discussions that extend beyond the theater — about how we can support one another and challenge the systems that perpetuate these struggles.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Aphrodite! We look forward to seeing “Agoramana” in Patras.
**Aphrodite Mitsopoulou:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to share this experience with the people of Patras.
