"Rapunzel alone": A profoundly humane performance under the auspices of UNHCR
"Rapunzel alone": A profoundly humane performance under the auspices of UNHCR
The production "Rapunzel alone," directed by Ilias Karellas and inspired by the iconic play written by Mike Kenny, returns to the KAPPA theater for its second year, under the auspices of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This profoundly educational production, embraced by 40,000 spectators of all ages during its first season, keeps on passing timeless messages of hope for a world of peace, humanity, and acceptance.
…. It’s 1944, London is being bombed. Little Lettie, a young mixed-race girl, must ensure her safety, just like thousands of other children affected by the war. With a suitcase in hand and a letter pinned to her coat, her parents placed her on the train. On an isolated farm in the countryside, she will confront her fears as she encounters the stern guardian Mrs. Pearce, young Conrad, and a very aggressive... goose!
"The reason the show is returning for a second year is the messages it imparts, aiming to raise awareness about war, racism, loneliness, diversity, and loss," said the director, Ilias Karellas, upon receiving this year's Theater for Children and Adolescents award from the Hellenic Association of Theatre and Performing Arts Critics.
On the launch of the new season, Maria Clara Martin, the Representative of UNHCR in Greece, noted: "At a time when wars, violence, and persecution have displaced more people from their homes than ever before, it is crucial to remember and acknowledge the stories of these individuals through productions like 'Rapunzel alone'."
In "Rapunzel alone," the renowned singer and actress Idra Kayne takes on the role of Mrs. Pearce. Little Lettie is played by Danae Omoregie Neanthi. Makis Nanos plays the role of young Conrad, while Fanis Pavlopoulos takes on the narrator’s role.
The subversive band String Demons performs their specially composed original music live on stage, accentuating the play's emotions, sometimes in an atmospheric and other times in an explosive manner. Meanwhile, choreographer Antigoni Gyra moves the characters through a realm between fairy tale and reality.
A comprehensive proposal in children's entertainment bearing the signature of Ilias Karellas, this production integrates actors, modern shadow theater, and live music on stage. Its purpose is to raise awareness about diversity, isolation, racism, war, the environment, loss, and learning difficulties, in a simple and tender manner, emphasizing the fundamental human need for communication.
Performances take place every weekday from Monday to Friday at 10:30 am for schools, and on Sundays at11:30 am for the general public and the Parents and Guardians Associations.
The performance is recommended for children aged 7 and above.
About the performance:
Written by: Mike Kenny
Translated by: Chara Giannakopoulou
Direction/Set design/Lighting by: Ilias Karellas
Movement by: Antigone Gyra
Original Music by: String Demons
Set building by: Michalis Raptis
Construction of shadow theater figure by: Ilias Karellas, Nikolas Tzivelekis
Costumes by: "Vestiario"
Starring:
Lettie: Danae Omoregie Neanthi
Mrs. Pearce: Idra Kayne
Conrad: Makis Nanos
Narrator: Fanis Pavlopoulos
On stage live music: String Demons
Production Coordination: Technis Politeia
Information:
Kappa Theater - Ilias Karellas children's stage
Address: Kipselis 2
Information about the children's stage / Reservations for schools, associations, and groups: 210 7777104 & 210 7777124
Website: www.thiasoskarella.weebly.com
Facebook page: Ilias Karellas Theater Company
Instagram: Ilias Karellas Theater Company