NEW YORK – While so many are struggling with the effects of the global pandemic, the gifted artists of Cyprus New York (CNY) Productions, led by its President Phyto Stratis, continued performing, spreading holiday cheer, and helping raise funds for charity. During the pandemic, the artists, including Stratis along with Ariadne Panagopoulou, Louis Panayiotou, Aggeliki Psoni, and Demetris Michael, performed in three virtual events, the annual Ronald McDonald House New York (RMHNY) 28th Virtual Annual Gala fundraiser, the Tree Lighting in Astoria, and the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party.

The CNY Productions artists performed to open the RMHNY event which included the Greek Division's 25th Annual Virtual Christmas Party, were thanked by Chairman of the Greek Division Spiros Maliagros, President of TIG Advisors, and then were followed by renowned actors Robert De Niro, Vanessa Williams, and Audra Macdonald, who also appeared in the event to support RMHNY and its programs for children undergoing treatment in hospitals and their families.

Performing beloved Christmas carols and traditional kalanta from Greece and Cyprus, at all three events, the artists impressed all those who attended virtually and even live at the Tree Lighting ceremony in Astoria’s Athens Square Park where a limited number of attendees were allowed with strict adherence to mask wearing and social distancing.

Stratis told The National Herald that the virtual performances are a way to bring the warm spirit of the holiday season to as many people as possible during these difficult times when many are feeling isolated.

The hope is that the organization can get back to performing live as soon as possible since its ambitious plans have been on hold due to the restrictions on live theatre.   

CNY Productions is a non-profit organization whose mission is to unite Cyprus and New York by sharing our cultural diversity through literature, drama, theater, poetry, music and dance.

More information is available online: https://cnyproductions.org/ and videos are on the CNY Productions YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2WAnq2G.