ASTORIA – Poios Anakalipse tin Ameriki? Who Discovered America? written by Chryssa Spilioti wrapped up its run at the Greek Cultural Center (GCC) in Astoria on April 17. The play, GCC’s first post-pandemic live theatrical production, was presented in Greek with English supertitles and impressed the audience with masterful performances by the talented actors Larisa Antypa, who also directed, and Alexandra Skendrou.

Performing multiple roles, Antypa and Skendrou demonstrated their skills not only for quick costume changes and accents, but also for physical comedy as well as the emotionally poignant moments along the journey of the main characters, cousins and best friends who age and evolve in this funny and moving play.

Liza and Katie are growing up together, trying to find their way in life, and in scene after scene, Antypa and Skendrou drew the audience along through the trials and tribulations that test their friendship even as the stakes grow higher and higher. We root for them from the very start of the play as they get into trouble as youngsters and then later as they grow up and their choices affect the course of their lives.

The music conveyed the passing of years from the late 1980s to 1990, while sound, light, and video added to the atmosphere of the play. Though set in the late 20th century, the production had a timeless quality as the themes are universal and the characters relatable in their struggles. The play’s moving conclusion brought a tear to the eye of many audience members and left everyone looking forward to the next theatrical production at GCC from these gifted artists.

It should be noted that the Hell Gate Film Society continues the Independent Filmmakers of Cyprus screenings at the GCC through May 11. The full schedule of films is available online: https://www.greekculturalcenter.org/hell-gate-film-society.