“And everyone looks over here, the curtain is closed, and they all say, ‘let’s see what we’ll see,’ ‘when will it start,’ and then something happens, I don’t know…”
For me, theater tickets are a priority, second only to rent – and that says a lot. My love for theater goes way back, to when my grandmother would take me by the hand to every children’s performance in Thessaloniki. Over the years, I’ve filled many seats, but this year, I think I’ve outdone myself, and it’s no coincidence: this theatrical season has been full of surprises. After much thought, I’ve chosen two performances, very different from each other, that I’m sure I’ll remember for a long time. What gives me the courage to share these notes is my experience as an audience member and the small amount of research I do before and after each performance. So, from me to you, with love, a breath before the season ends: an excerpt from my theatrical diary.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 – True West by Sam Shepard
Theater Hora, a Theatro Neou Kosmou production
– (…) I’ve always wondered what it would be like if I were you.
– Really?
– Of course.
The truth is, I didn’t expect the gift I gave myself when I decided to go alone to the Hora Theater in Kypseli on an otherwise dull Saturday. In True West, the unconventional Sam Shepard reveals his unique ability to explore “unknown, mysterious, and dangerous” realms that exist within us, bringing them to the surface. It’s a true psychological rodeo, with an almost lyrical quality, that explores the conflict between two opposing yet complementary brothers, Austin (M. Papadokostantakis) and Lee (N. Psarras) – as if Shepard is grappling with the two sides of American male identity.
The unconventional Sam Shepard reveals his unique ability to explore “unknown, mysterious, and dangerous” realms that exist within us.
The chemistry between the lead actors, with its enjoyable contrast and rhythm, is what, in my opinion, made the performance stand out. M. Papadokostantakis was exceptional, bringing an initial innocence to his portrayal of Austin, which we watched slowly unravel, piece by piece, in an emotional journey from stability to deconstruction, and ultimately to the complete collapse of the character.
The figure of the cowboy-musician, M. Pantelou, at the edge of the stage, evoked the ghost of a father who had once disappeared in the desert, while the drink, present in nearly every scene, consistently served as a catalyst for the truth. In a performance where humor and madness go hand in hand from start to finish.
E. Karakouli’s directorial approach highlighted the contradictions in the play, illuminating the dark aspects of the bonds and contrasts between the two brothers, while K. Skourletis’ set design played a key role in the dramaturgy, “trapping” the characters within a house that transforms into an arena.
Completely overturning the expected and often comforting resolution, the final restoration, the neat little package offered “in a small, beautiful package,” as Shepard himself would say, True West has no real ending, only the climax of a confrontation. It doesn’t offer comfort; it offers the truth. After this performance, you won’t leave with the (false) sense that everything has been resolved. “The family disintegrates, after having first been torn apart.”
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Merde! by Suyako
At the Municipal Theater of Piraeus
– Have they arrived? The audience?
– Have they arrived? When I entered the theater, I could hardly breathe from the stench.
– What?
– From the horses of the audience who parked outside.
– Are there many?
– The manure? Everywhere you step! Look!
– Oh my God!
– Good luck! And I always wish, at your theater, so much manure, like today’s!
And so it happened. This wish, born there, in 18th century France, became a tradition and has carried on to this day. Yes! Even today, everyone in the theater world, both in France and in Greece, utters the same word on every opening night… Merde!
I don’t usually watch comedies. Yet, that Thursday, something drew me to the Municipal Theater of Piraeus. It was a group of beloved artists, returning this time with something entirely their own. And this return was impossible not to love. Merde! offers a fresh perspective on Greek theater, especially through a musical-theatrical form that dares to self-parody, satirize, and provoke thought, all while making sure to entertain.
Through his bold and clever writing, with a clear intent to deconstruct, Suyako reveals what happens behind the scenes of Greek theater and poses existential questions—ultimately: “Why are we doing this? For our souls or for the applause? For the money or for catharsis?”. At the same time, he offers space for self-criticism within the theater world. With clear references to the Greek #MeToo movement, comedic slaps, and inside jokes, he winks at the theater-savvy audience, without becoming preachy or claustrophobically ‘intra-theatrical’.
Through his bold and clever writing, with a clear intent to deconstruct, Suyako reveals what happens behind the scenes of Greek theatre.
The energy and the outstanding performances of the perfectly tuned cast, under the direction of G. Koutlis and V. Magouliotis, manage to leave a lasting impression. I was particularly impressed by G. Niarros and H. Moulas, whose on-stage interaction was the highlight for me, as well as L. Tzanoudaki, who impressed with her ability to transform through multiple different roles.
The music by G. Niarros and G. Papadopoulos perfectly complements the performance, while P. Mexis’ set design provides the necessary space for the on-stage musicians, further enriching the atmosphere and the sense that “The theater… is… is… is now!”
At the end of the performance, it felt as though the curtain fell simultaneously for everyone, both on and off stage, in a moment of poetic power that fully connected the theatrical experience with human coexistence. You still have the chance to experience it yourself before the final curtain falls on April 13.
“The performance is now yours. Thank you for this journey. You fucked us. You destroyed our dream. Don’t forget to breathe and listen to your teammate. Merde!”
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