What do you do when your marriage has lost its ‘spark’? Some people think it’s over, divorce is on the cards, some people turn to other partners, but the smart ones are those who try and get the flame going again. That’s what the latest comedy by the EEAMA theatre group is about – invigorating the spark, and getting sexy again. The theatre group are exploring the risque subject of sex in the new comedy What do you wear in your sleep?
Four different couples, at different stages and ages in their marriage, are facing the same problem. The men are looking for something else, the unhappy women are trying to win their affections back by introducing love and lace to their marital beds.
“It’s a very funny comedy that deals with the issues of today,” explains EEAMA Theatre Group’s artistic director Harry Constantinidis, “whereas 50 years ago they would never say anything like that, but today women are more outspoken. Instead of being the victim we are going to be pro-active about it.”
The four women gather together to plot a way to get their marriages back on track. And the only way they can see this happening is by introducing sexiness to their marriage.
The lead role is played by graduate of Dramatic Arts in Athens Christos Ballas, with Ionna Pannou, also a graduate from Greece, playing the female lead. It’s the first play she will appear in in Australia; the same goes for actress Angela Spiropoulos. The rest of the cast includes veterans Spiro Rapti, Toula Gianni, Giorgo Karra, Virginia Blassopoulou, Despina Sidiropoylou and Kostandino Tremmouli under Harry’s direction.
A veteran in Australian theatre, Harry moved into Greek theatre initially as an actor, but for the past 15 years he has been the artistic director of the EEAMA Theatre Group.
When he first started at the group 20 years ago, he says it was a time when he came in with fresh ideas, and wanted to tackle risque subject matter in his plays, which, then, was frowned upon, but he persisted.
“Back then I said you have to take risks; keep up to date with things,” he tells Neos Kosmos.
With this in mind, Harry is now looking to the next generation to energise the theatre group, to bring in fresh ideas.
“The youth have a different view of things, and that’s why I am looking for this new blood, to come in with enthusiasm, and take it to a new level.”
The group started in 1952, and has grown from strength to strength. But now, Harry believes that the younger generation, and also newly arrived migrants from Greece, are revitalising the theatrical performances.
What do you wear in your sleep? begins on Saturday 1 February and will run until the 2 March every Saturday and Sunday evening, at South Oakleigh Secondary College, Bakers Rd, South Oakleigh. For tickets and to be involved with the EEAMA Theatre Group contact (03) 97730621 or 0419339502