War and the expansionist ambitions of adults, gender inequality, the misguided belief passed down through centuries that boys are superior to girls, the strained and limited relationships between parents and children, the boring school, and the normalization of suppressing children’s desires and opinions—these are unfortunately (or fortunately) timeless issues that undoubtedly concern, consciously or unconsciously, the group of actors.
Our Matthias succeeds on the throne his father, the king, before he even has time to comprehend the sadness caused by his sudden loss. In the strictly institutionalized world of adults, emotions must give yield to reason and duty. Reluctantly, and prompted by his father’s ministers and advisors, he agrees to declare war on three countries. Feeling lonely, Matthias connects with the children of his neighborhood, making friends for the first time. With his best friend, his role model Tito, they go to war to defend their homeland, or perhaps because nothing seemed more thrilling than a real life war game. However, they soon experience the harsh reality of war, its raw and endless violence. From this tough experience, Matthias seems to grow up suddenly, gaining true strength and deciding to put an end to the injustice and madness of war.
Upon his return, Matthias establishes the regime of children’s rule, which, for him and his friends—the adults of the future—represents a fairer system. Another game, this time with children setting the rules. Their initiative is embraced by children all over the world. Adults are forced to step aside and return to school while children enjoy complete freedom for a few days. The adults, upon returning to school, realize they may have forgotten the essence of life amidst worries and demanding daily routines. Soon, however, the presence of adults becomes necessary in the young rulers’ lives, as do boundaries and social rules. They resume their roles at the right time, creating a fairer society alongside children. Or at least, we hope that is what eventually happens.
Creative Team
Author: Janusz Korczak Adaptation: Alki Zei Director: Yolika Poulopoulou Music: Tasos Karakatsanis Set design: Katerina Miliaressi Assistant Director: Michalis Katsareas Poster, photography, video: Nikos Tzavaras Set construction: Giorgos Angelopoulos Lighting: Giorgos Iliopoulos Sound supervisor: Giorgos Minos Technical support: Sound-Light Program Supervision: Letta Petroulaki Production: Experimental stage of Kalamata Co-organization: attactus NPO
Featuring: Dimitris Kechagias, Tonia Kyriazi, Nefeli Kritakaki, Periklis Nokas, Tonia Oikonomakou, Giannis Arvanitis, Anastasia Mavrea, Giorgos Mountanos, Sofia Daskaroli, Angeliki Vasilopoulou, Giannis Polychronopoulos, Foivos Lampropoulos, Chara Bakea, Zoi Kechagia, Sotiris Vourlakos, Orfeas Christakoudis, Lydia Giannakopoulou, Nikoletta Sarela, Katerina Garatzioti, Iliana Sgourou, Georgia Skokou, Dimitris Pantoleon, Nikos Favvatas
