On January 12th 2018, I took part in a theatre workshop for a play entitled “Theatre of Integration”.
The play is written by director Petros Pitsounis, for 15 to 18 year-olds from a variety of cultures and countries. The idea is to allow young people to present their opinions and experiences, and also to learn about the art of the theatre. Professional members of the team coach the adolescents, who begin by taking part in rehearsals with Victoria Saphio. There will be twice weekly performances at the beginning of May.
The play tries to bring people from different countries into contact with the theatre. Up to now 6 young people have taken part from Greece, Pakistan, Iran, Zimbabwe, Syria and Nigeria.
The director of the theatre, his deputy, the director of the play and some of the cast spoke to the “Migratory Birds”.
Uruzus Kaloslovs, theatre director
“I have been in charge of the theatre for the past ten years. I used to listen to the radio as a small child and that is when I thought I would like to work in the theatre. I am also a director, actor and scriptwriter. I have directed short films of about 20 minutes in length and these have given me great experience.
The young people who take part in the performance have no previous experience. There are two steps to the process: first, there are the rehearsals and then the performance itself. At the end, all those taking part will receive a certificate. I would also like to add that this is a wonderful opportunity and a great example of how anyone can work in the theatre, even non-professional actors”.
Anna Dimitropoulou, deputy director
“I am the deputy director and I have been working in theatre for over ten years. I studied archaeology and drama and I would love to combine them. There are many things to think about before each rehearsal, such as body language, sound effects etc. We have to do warm up exercises and then stress how important the rehearsal is. There is room for improvement in every field”.
Petros Pitsounis, director of the play
“I devised this play in order to bring together people from around the world, so that they can share their experiences and get to know one another.
My work in the theatre has taught me that it is an excellent medium for learning about other people without needing to talk.
People from different countries are meeting and working together through the art of drama.
My aim is to get as many people of different nationalities as possible to meet and acquire new experiences. The easiest part of my mission was to find people who were interested in this sort of idea. I found many from all over the world, but also in Greece. Up to now people from 7 different countries are taking part and already working in the theatre. This is very gratifying”.
Elektra Alkistis, actor
“I am 15 years old and I come from Greece. I love theatre and I am so pleased when I get the opportunity to do something like this. Theatre helps me express myself and opens my horizons.
It gives me the opportunity to come into close contact with a large variety of people. It is both art and an adventure”.
Amarachi and Janet, actors
“We come from Greece and Nigeria. This play is our first and we are really enjoying it. We feel very much at ease during rehearsals. We were looking for the opportunity to get some acting experience and very much hope to become professional actors in the future”.
Brian, actor
“I am 17 years old and I come from Iran. I am thrilled with the rehearsals and am really interested in theatre. If we make a mistake during a rehearsal, the director corrects us”.
If we truly become interested in theatre, we will work hard at it and it could be the start of a new life.
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