Amid the cancellations and postponements, plays and art exhibitions were the two sectors that managed to keep going. With fewer, masked guests, theatre companies were able to hold some performances this winter, nearly all in Greek. One original play in English has been in the works for a year, see-sawing with governmental measures, but in January it will finally be ready to take the stage.
Friends for Oscars is an original contemporary comedy/farce written by Anthony Thomas Ashiotis and directed by Athena Louisa Marie Agroti. She is a Creative Arts Director and he is an accountant by profession, but they have been working with each other for the past 18 months along with a cast of 17 trying to keep the show on the road. After their fair share of postponing and sitting on uncertainty, the play will now take place on January 29 and February 4 and 5 at Satiriko Theatre in Nicosia.
Anthony has written a number of plays although Friends for Oscars is the first one to make it to the stage.
Humorous scenes, absurd scenarios and hilarious events take place within the play in an attempt to bring some light-hearted, belly-laughing entertainment to theatre lovers after a difficult year. The story revolves around the lives of friends and neighbours living in south London. When Jenny and Samantha by chance discover their husbands are up to no good they swear to take revenge. Their husbands, Chris and Tom, at some stage notice that they are in deep trouble and seek the help of Chris’ mum and their friend Roger (a bouncer at a betting shop), in trying to create a cover up story named Operation Candy!.
“It is great to observe how these characters come together,” Athena said. “They all seem so different but they follow an unpredictable path which unites them. It is a comedy which also delivers strong positive messages while being highly enjoyable, which is significant during these times where people’s spirits need to be lifted.”
Initially, the play was to premier in March 2020, before a second premiere date of November 2020 also had to be postponed. Now, an extra dimension has been added to the play, it will be streamed on February 7 for which audiences can purchase tickets.
Rehearsals for the play began last year and since then, the 17 group of amateur, semi-professional and professional actors have been meeting weekly to keep the fire of the show burning. “It has been quite challenging trying to adjust and arrange rehearsals,” admitted Athena, “but we have managed to pull through. Masks have had to be worn, actors have tried their best to keep a distance and hand sanitizer has become the most popular member of our cast!”
Actors aged from 17 to 65 make up the cast, coming from various different backgrounds. Brits, Cypriots, Serbians and Arabs create a fantastic multicultural vibe, Athena said. “It has been wonderful working with such a diverse group of individuals.”
Besides spreading laughter and positivity, Friends for Oscars also has a charitable cause as all proceeds will go to the social welfare programme of the Cyprus Red Cross in Nicosia.
“This initiative has proved to be a very positive one especially bearing in mind how many more families are nowadays in need with Covid-19,” commented Athena. “I am grateful to be working on a project where the money will be going out for a good cause.”
Friends for Oscars
Original comedy play. January 29, February 4 and 5. Satiriko Theatre, Nicosia. 7pm. €15. February 7 streamed online. www.soldoutticketbox.com. 15+. www.friends-for-oscars.com
