This year, the
National Theatre of Northern Greece, before each performance, presents an innovative theatrical action entitled
“Smoky Ideas” in order to send the message of smoking cessation. It is an initiative under the auspices of the
Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS), which was realized by means of
Pfizer Hellas’s support. Through the presentation of a personal story, this theatrical action aims at informing the public about the “smoker’s lung” disease (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and urging those who desire to quit smoking to seek medical attention.
A source of inspiration for this theatrical action was a question – challenge posed by the creator of this initiative,
Konstantina Matziri: “Does theatre have the power to motivate a smoker to seek help so as to quit smoking?” The Hellenic Thoracic Society, strongly believing in the public’s positive response, placed the performance under its auspices, in collaboration with the NTNG, which is consistently following its social policy. Pfizer Hellas actively supports this initiative, which is totally in line with its mission: the contribution for a healthier world, exempt from addictions.
The pioneer theatrical action “Smoky Ideas”, by means of narration, treats the gradual transformation of Athanasia (Immortality) into ‘Anastasia’ (Ressurection), a woman able to be reborn just by quitting smoking. Being diagnosed with the “smoker’s lung” disease, the protagonist, Athanasia, unwinds the clew of her own choice to be a smoker and, through a flashback technique, the audience witnesses all the stages and the consequences of such a choice. When this journey into her past is over, Athanasia finally finds the strength to seek professional help in order to quit smoking and regain quality of life. Through this approach, which is at times serious and at times playful, the spectator receives a feeling of power, self-confidence and optimism concerning the attainment of this difficult goal.
The social action
“Smoky Ideas” which is already staged by the NTNG, will also be performed at the
Vassiliko Theatre on
February 10, 2012 before the performance “
Madame Soussou”.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Playwright: Amalia Kontoyanni – Konstantina Matziri
Director: Konstantina Matziri
Scenery - Costumes: Stella Rapti
Music: Vassilis Stergiou
Video art: Ada Liakou
Production Manager: Rodi Stefanidou
Actors: Marianna Tantou, Amalia – Eleftheria Tatarea, Mariza Tsari
Ilias Kotopoulos and the young Melina Parissi appear in the videos of the performance.
In the recordings of the performance the voices of the following actors are heard: Ifigeneia Deligiannidou, Nikos Kapelios, Christos Papadimitriou, Marianna Tantou, Mariza Tsari, Giannis Harisis.