The season started in full swing; First with music through our Classical for All concert series in Greenwich Village, then PRIVATOPIA ; a new play I’m taking part in as an actor! This was a chance to go back to one of my artistic homes; LaGuardia Performing Arts Center where I have premiered one of my first plays; “TEA for 3” back in 2012.
By the acclaimed writer Maria Efstathiadi, Privatopia is a multi-layered text about the increasing fear of “otherness” and the obsession of exclusivity in modern societies. After being shaken by the horrific news about the refugees fleeing from war in Syria, I think there can’t be a better time for the world premiere of this play.
From the very first reading I was startled by the discussions among the board members of the “gated community”.
“Everyone is talking about alternative lifestyles, we turned it into reality”
I’m playing one of the privileged characters living in this secure, gated community, where everything is in private hands, the food is organic, and the doors are sprayed with cyclonytode to prevent outsiders from entering. And yet, a strange cat was able to get in and even give birth to six kittens!
While the board members are discussing this critical issue of what to do with this CAT, on the other side of the wall refugees are sharing their stories with the audience. The stories that most of us only hear from newspapers.
To me, Privatopia is an absurd, funny and poetic “clownery” opening a window into our own fears. I find fear to be a very distinct feeling that everyone in our modern world of comfort and technology is constantly promoting to sell us stuff like insurance, drugs, and even wars.
What are you afraid of?
Come see* Privatopia at LPAC and let me know what you think after the show!
DATES:
Thu Nov 5, 2015 | 8:00P
Fri Nov 6, 2015 | 8:00PM
Sat Nov 7, 2015 | 8:00PM
Sun Nov 8, 2015 | 3:00PM
Wed Nov 11, 2015 | 2:30PM
Thu Nov 12, 2015 | 8:00PM
Fri Nov 13, 2015 | 8:00PM
Sat Nov 14, 2015 | 8:00PM
*LPAC is offering $8 tickets for the friends of the cast . So, if you want to come, fill the CONTACT form on the website and I can put your name on my list. Then all you’ll need to do is to mention that you’re on Ege’s discount group list at the box office. And wink 🙂