NEW YORK – Maria Koronellou and Valentina Piombi star in ‘Final Placement’ by Ara Watson currently running as part of the Circle Theater Festival at the Flea Theater, 20 Thomas Street in Manhattan.

The one-act play unfolds in a child welfare office, where Luellen, a young mother (played by Koronellou), desperately tries to regain custody of her son who has been put up for adoption by the courts. Piombi portrays Mary, a social worker planning a weekend getaway when Luellen unexpectedly arrives.

The play, part of a trio of one-acts in the festival, opened September 7 and runs through October 26. Koronellou, originally from Greece, and Piombi, from Argentina, spoke with The National Herald about about the play and about what they are working on next.

TNH: Did you always want to pursue a career in the performing arts?

Maria Koronellou: Yes, from a young age, I was drawn to the arts. I loved the idea of stepping into different lives and exploring a range of emotions. Growing up, I was fascinated by behind-the-scenes videos at the cinema, seeing how everything came together. Magic. That excitement naturally led me to pursue acting, where I could dive into those worlds myself.

Valentina Piombi: Not necessarily. Art has always been present in my childhood in one way or another. Since I was a little girl, I took singing, dancing, and musical theater classes, but it wasn’t until I turned 16 that I began to think of acting as more than just a hobby. I fell in love with the idea of bringing different characters to life and telling their stories, and nowadays, I can’t see myself doing anything else.

TNH: What first drew you to the role in this play in particular?

MK: The role of Luellen in  ‘Final Placement’ really intrigued me because of her depth and complexity. She’s a character with so much vulnerability and raw emotion. Her journey through the play is deeply emotional, and I was drawn to the challenge of portraying a woman who is torn between her love for her child and the immense struggle of being judged by a system that doesn’t fully understand her. It’s a powerful role that allows me to explore her layered personality, and that’s what drew me in.

VP: ‘Final Placement’ is a very captivating play that touches on deep themes. The two characters are very interesting. Mary is a woman who, at first glance, may seem distant and cold, but deep down, she cares a lot about others and feels a strong responsibility to help the children who need it most. She is a complex character with whom I connected very quickly, fortunately. Each rehearsal helped me build a more genuine bond with her.

TNH: What has been the most challenging aspect of your role?

MK: The most challenging aspect of playing Luellen has been capturing her emotional volatility while staying grounded in her truth. Balancing that raw anger and her desperation for love and redemption required a lot of emotional vulnerability. Conveying that sense of hopelessness while still finding her strength in moments was a difficult but rewarding challenge.

VP: The most challenging part of this role is showing empathy toward Luellen. I know it’s difficult for Mary because of the affection she feels for Luellen’s son, but I also know she tries to be fair and find a way to help the whole family for the child’s well-being.

TNH: What is the most rewarding?

MK: When I’m performing, and I can sense that the audience is moved by her struggle, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Bringing her voice to life and giving her a platform through my performance is what makes the role so rewarding. It’s not just about acting; it’s about making an impact on the audience by sharing her experience.

VP: The part that excites me the most is feeling the audience connect with the story. Seeing people get involved in the story of these two characters and understand that life isn’t always black or white. What happens in the theater is magical. Connecting with Maria on stage every time we perform the play is very gratifying, and I’m very grateful to be able to do it with her.

TNH: What are you working on next?

MK: I’m working on a short film I’m writing based on the butterfly effect, exploring how small, seemingly insignificant decisions can lead to profound consequences. It’s a moving story, and I’m excited to bring it to life. It’s a project that will allow me to continue exploring complex emotions and human connections.

VP: I’m excited for what’s to come. New York is a city full of opportunities, and I’m open to every one of them. Connecting with new people and developing our own projects are some of the things I’d love to pursue.

More information and tickets available online: https://shorturl.at/jzuI8.

Maria Koronellou website: https://www.mariakoron.com

Follow on social media: Instagram @mariakoron

Instagram @valentinapiombi