ATHENS – Theatre of the No, Athens’ premier English-speaking theatre, presents a unique double bill featuring two contemporary plays: ‘Focus Group’ by Marco di Stefano and ‘Resistance in a Time of Peace’ by Jibbe Willems, premiering on Friday, August 9, for a limited run through September 16. Under the direction of Chará Lianou, these plays explore both the personal and political, taking the audience on a thought-provoking and poetic journey of discovery and revelation.

The show opens with ‘Resistance in a Time of Peace,’ a captivating solo piece that follows a woman stranded in her car in an isolated setting, sparking reflections on the course of her life to this point.  As she considers an escape from reality, and from the stifling routine of an unfulfilled romantic relationship, she embarks on an inner quest. This powerful monologue gives voice to the choices that can take us from the expected path and to “the road less traveled.”

The closing performance is ‘Focus Group,’ a topical and provocative drama with a satirical, dystopian edge, examining the mutually exploitative relationship between multinational corporations and consumers.

The plot centers on Carla, who starts her new job leading a product focus group. The group of disparate and desperate personalities soon become aware they are part of a study that reveals their secret fears and desires. As conflicts and revelations escalate, Carla and the group confront an existential dilemma that all of us will face at some point.

About the Authors:

Dutch playwright Jibbe Willems, with a rich background as an actor and director, has showcased his works in countries such as France, Mexico, the USA, and China, and has been distinguished at festivals like Avignon 2022.

Italian playwright Marco di Stefano, founder of the company ‘La Confraternita del Chianti,’ has brought to life the international project ‘Pentateuco’ and collaborated with prestigious institutions like the Venice Biennale and the Croatian National Theatre, presenting works in Germany, Spain, and France.

Performance Details:

‘Focus Group’

Text: Marco di Stefano

Adaptation and Direction: Chará Lianou

Cast: Konstantinos Adraktas, Michalis Theodorakis, Anestis Ischnopoulos, Anastasia Bougiaka, Giorgos Chatzikyriakos

‘Resistance in a Time of Peace’

Text: Jibbe Willems

Direction: Chará Lianou

Performance: Marita Tzatzadaki

Movement Direction: Maria Vathi

Costumes: Maria Tsioti

Set Design: Chará Lianou

Lighting Design: Fernanda Balcells

Set Construction: Dimitris Mellos

Photography and Trailer: Nikos Pagonakis

Communication and Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli

Performance Dates:

From August 9-September 16, every Friday-Monday at 8 PM

Duration: 90 minutes

Tickets: 15€

Presale: https://www.more.com/theater/focusgroup-resistanceinatimeofpeace/

Group rate 20 tickets at the special price of €5 available at the theatre’s box office (Required arrival by 7 PM).

Theatre of the No: Konstantinou Paleologou 3, Athens, Greece

Phone: 694 685 1001

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