By Dimitris Kametopoulos
Who said that the great Greek comedians and actors of the past – Sotiris Moustakas, Dionysios Papagiannopoulos, Maro Kontou, Dimitris Papamichail, Aliki Vougiouklaki and the “queen” of Greek comedy Rena Vlachopoulou – no longer live among us or make us laugh in Sydney today? Not only do they continue to bring us joy, but we can still hear their voices echoing through the classic comic films of Greek cinema’s golden era.
This month, the community theatre troupe Greek Stage Theatre led by Akis Kastelloriou is reviving that legacy with a new production guaranteed to have audiences in stitches. Their two-hour musical and dance performance, A Sky with Stars, is being staged at The Greek Theatre in Marrickville to great success and, naturally, with unstoppable laughter.
The production presents a series of short sketches, drawn almost word-for-word from beloved old Greek films such as The Card Player, The Fairy and the Lad, A Lady at the Bouzouki, Mermaids and Lads, An Italian Woman from Kypseli, The Woman Should Fear the Man, and A Crazy Forty-Year-Old. Each scene brings the charm of these cinematic classics back to life, reminding audiences of the unforgettable stars who shaped Greek comedy.
Director Mr Kastelloriou not only orchestrates the show but also takes on multiple roles with flair. He is joined on stage by Natasa Kastelloriou, Sandy Reke, Chara Koutsikoudi, Vivet Kontouli, Giannis Katsaras, Praise Rekes-Peihopa and young Vasilis Kastelloriou.
Dance performances are led by emerging Greek Australian talent Nikolaos Vasilas, while Vivet Kontouli also lends her voice in song. Behind the scenes, Mike Kontoulis, Giorgos Andronis and Stergos Kastelloriou provide sound and lighting.
Remaining performances will be held on:
- Saturday 20 September at 7.00pm
- Sunday 28 September at 5.00pm
The Greek Theatre is located at 36/142 Addison Road, Marrickville. Tickets are affordably priced at $25 (general admission) and $20 (concession for pensioners, students and school pupils). Bookings and information: 0450 724 600.
Don’t miss this opportunity to relive the golden years of Greek comedy, brought back to the stage with laughter for young and old alike. As the saying goes, laughter brings health and long life – something we could all use in today’s difficult times.
