Dubai: Dubai’s home-grown Greek theatre group will debut a satirical comedy at Ductac in June.
Thespis Greek Theatre Group, composed of amateur actors living in Dubai, will perform Babades with Chantilly by acclaimed Greek screenwriters M Reppas and Th Papathanassiou. The play is the first all-Greek production to hit theatres in the emirate.
Babades with Chantilly is darkly comedic satire that explores greed and materialism and revolves around two brothers and their wives, as well as other characters.
“Even though it evolves in provincial Greece, we find the comedy relates equally to the everyday lifestyle of the Greek expats in the UAE, who are still faced with materialistic dilemmas and family pressures,” said the play’s director Constance Kratsa.
Kratsa said they chose to name their group Thespis as part of their vision to promote Greek culture in the Arab world and support a good cause. According to ancient Greek sources, Thespis was the first person to appear on stage as an actor.
“It also allows Greek expatriates to keep in touch with their theatrical tradition, while supporting non-profit humanitarian causes aiming to help Greece.”
The 90-minute play will be shown at the Centrepoint Theatre, Ductac, at the Mall of the Emirates on June 7. Back-to-back performances will be held at 4.30pm and 8pm. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Emfasis Foundation, a non-profit group founded by Greeks living overseas to help vulnerable people back home.
Maria Karra, founder of Emfasis Foundation, told Gulf News the play has garnered support from Greeks living not only across UAE but also those in GCC.
“The response is so touching,” she said. “We are now thinking of organising a lot of events in the future to maximise Greek talents that are coming out. This first play is a good boost to the community.”
For more information, call the Ductac at 04-341 4777.
