With a rich history spanning more than 75 years, the Hellenic Art Theatre in Marrickville has served as a popular institution for all lovers of Greek theatre.
Every year, the Sydney theatre runs two major plays performed in Greek with English surtitles. Performances range from ancient Greek tragedies to classical dramas and comedies, and all are performed in a traditional theatre in the round style structure (with the audience seated around the stage).
Their cast is made up of anyone from five years old, to people in their 80s and beyond.
The Greek Herald spoke with the team behind the Hellenic Art Theatre to uncover the inspiration behind it, what they love about running it and what sort of things they’re known for putting on.
Evelyn Tsavalas, the Hellenic Art Theatre’s production manager, said the theatre was a continuation of the late Chrysostomos Mantouridis – a prominent Greek-Egyptian figure in Sydney’s Greek theatre community from 1949-1980 who founded ΣΕΚ – Συγκρότημα Ελλήνων Καλλιτεχνών (Hellenic Theatre Incorporated).
“He loved producing ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, and to date, Hellenic Art Theatre has committed to continuing that,” Evelyn said.
“Mantouridis died in 1980, and that’s when Stavros Economidis, our artistic director and founder, took over.
“Stavros was the continuation of Mantouridis’ work, and he wanted to make the group more professional, so he decided to study acting and directing at the Ensemble Theatre. That lead to him founding Hellenic Art Theatre.”
Evelyn said the Hellenic Art Theatre, also known as ‘The Greek Theatre,’ was not only an institution for people to watch plays, but a place to educate children and adults on Greek theatre.
“We have done numerous children’s productions over the years for free, which is our way of giving back to the community,” she said.
“By having kids come and watch the plays, it’s a great way for them to learn Greek as we only perform in the Greek language.
“We also use surtitles (projections of English subtitles above the stage) and when we first introduced them in 2002, I believe we were the only theatre in Australia using them.”
The production manager reflected on the theatre’s journey, sharing that it has seen people of all ages participate in productions, or be part of the audience.
“We’ve built a reputation for our performances of ancient Greek plays, which we present in a traditional manner. This authenticity, coupled with surtitles for non-Greek speakers, has attracted theatre lovers from all backgrounds,” Evelyn said.
“When we first started, it was the first and second generation Greeks, like me, who were involved in the theatre, and now we’re seeing the fourth generation Greeks come along, which is really great to see.
“It’s all about building community and fostering connections, and by showcasing our cultural heritage on stage, we pass on the legacy of our ancestors to the younger generation which then ensures that their connection to their Greek identity remains strong.”
Hellenic Art Theatre features a diverse ensemble of about 25 volunteers who participate and contribute to productions.
“We’ve also included new migrants from Greece over the years, to offer them a sense of comfort until they find their feet in Australia,” Evelyn said.
“One person I’d love to mention is Melpo Papadopoulou, she is one of the founders with Stavro, who to date, still performs with Hellenic Art Theatre.
“She is known as ‘H Κuρία του θεάτρου’ (‘The Lady of the Theatre’) in Sydney as she has been performing for more than 65 years and is a very important member of the theatre.”
A cultural hub for Hellenism
The artistic director and founder of Hellenic Art Theatre, Stavros Economidis also spoke with The Greek Herald and said he was thankful for all the support the group has received over the years.
“The Greek community, and the Greek Festival of Sydney, have been supporting us for quite a few years now,” Stavros said.
“Obviously, we get quite a lot of satisfaction from having people come and watch our plays, as it’s our hobby and our pleasure. We don’t just perform for laughs though… there’s always a purpose, and we hope that every time someone watches one of our performances, they not only enjoy it, but take something away from it.”
Mr Economidis said it was very rewarding to see people enjoy their shows and he looks forward to putting on many more in the future.
“When you put on a play, and you see a full house of people happy and clapping, you get excited, and that is your payment,” he said.
“When your audience has fun, they also learn a lot, and we make it easier with the English surtitles too, so people of all ages and levels of Greek can understand and enjoy.
“We just have a strong desire to maintain our Greek cultural heritage and we hope to continue keeping it alive and thriving.”
The Hellenic Art Theatre’s next play ‘Karagiozis’ will take place from April 12 to April 28 as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney.
Evelyn described it as a traditional shadow puppet show, which they will bring Karagiozis to life on stage with actors and masks.
“Karagiozis is a very famous folkloric character, and such an important part of our Greek culture that needs to be passed on,” she said.
“The last Karagiozis play we did was seven years ago – ‘Karagiozis in Australia’ – and it was a great success. We got to see three and four generations come together and it was just great for families to come and watch.
“We are quite positive that this time round will be a crowd pleaser and we’re really looking forward to it.”
If you’re interested in joining the Hellenic Art Theatre, visit their website at www.hellenicarttheatre.com.au to find out more.
‘Karagiozis’ will be performed at the Hellenic Art Theatre – Mantouridion (Building 36, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville) from 12 – 28 April. The event is part of the Greek Festival of Sydney. To purchase tickets call 0413 989 007 or visit www.hellenicarttheatre.com.au
