Three Greeks flew into the cuckoo's nest

It's the right time to be a little crazy in the world, just take a look at the Greek parliament. Human Sacrifice Theatre (HST) are confident they're onto a winner with their production of the lunatic asylum classic, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, about to begin its run at Chapel off Chapel.

Neos Kosmos speaks to producer Arthur Panagiotaras, and actors Antonis Baxevanidis and Greg Pandelidis. "HST has been operating for five years. This is the eleventh production we are doing, and our biggest step up," says Arthur. Director David Myles, whose previous credits include Salonika Bound (2010), is the man responsible for realising this particular stage adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Arthur thinks David has interpreted the work in a fresh and dynamic way: "He's really pushing the envelope on what we can do within the [theatre] space." "The play has a big social comment and is very popular," says Antonis Baxevanidis. The film version-- and Jack Nicholson's performance as main character McMurphy in particular -- is the prevailing understanding of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Rising actor Mark Diaco will play the role of McMurphy on stage in Melbourne. The cast and crew come from nine different backgrounds, something the Hellenic representatives consider an optimistic sign.

"The cast is a good reflection of how Melbourne is today. This is Melbourne. This is who we are. The fact that we're Greek and we're part of it, I'm very proud," says Greg. Veteran actor Antonis remembers a time when attitudes in the industry were not so diverse.

"When I started out in 1974 they made my name Tony Baxter without even asking," he laughs. Antonis sees the evolution of Australian theatre as being very positive. Gone are the times when a director would apologise to him, 'Sorry Tony, another [role as a] milk bar owner.'

Arthur believes the community will relish an opportunity to experience the thrill of live theatre: "Not only can you see and feel the emotion, you can almost taste it; you are only a few metres from the actor and the performance … It's a different buzz, it's flesh and blood." Antonis agrees the play is, "good visual theatre." In particular, the projection methods being utilised for this production promise to be extremely impacting. With opening night now under a week away, nerves are beginning to prickle, possibly more so considering the play is based inside a mental institution, but Greg is looking forward to it, "there's always that element of nervousness, which is a good energy to have building up to the show."

"Theatre is inherent in our culture. I think that our [Greek] roots are based in it," Arthur suggests. He hopes that those who have never been to see a stage play before will also venture out: "I think once you have entered the space and get a taste for it, it's a very powerful experience."

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, November 24 to December 11, Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran VIC. Bookings on 03 8290 7000 or humansacrificetheatre.com