The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria is set to debut a theatrical production inspired by the memoirs of General Ioannis Makriyannis. Directed and performed by Jeremy Artis, the one-man show offers an exploration of historical events, values, and timeless messages.
“The memoirs of Makriyannis are what inspired me,” Artis tells Neos Kosmos.
“When I read his book a few years ago, I felt it was a text that demanded to be brought to the stage. His ability to transition from narrator to protagonist and bring other characters to life captivated me.”
The play chronicles pivotal moments from the Greek War of Independence in 1821 to the signing of the Constitution in 1844.
“Makriyannis’ book is vast and complex,” Artis said. “I read it multiple times to select key moments for the narrative. I structured the performance into 15 chronological chapters to ensure it’s accessible, even for audiences unfamiliar with Greek history.”
A particularly striking aspect of Makriyannis’ story is his struggles with physical and mental health.
“After injuries, imprisonment, and torture, questions about his mental health arose,” said Artis.
“I believe he truly suffered. The trauma—both physical and psychological—was immense, and this is reflected in his writings.”
Challenges and timelessness of Makriyannis’s language
Makriyannis’ authentic writing style presented challenges for the stage adaptation.
“I preserved the tone of the original text while making slight adjustments to enhance its clarity,” Artis said.
“I wanted to retain the magic of his words, which flow as if spoken aloud.”
English subtitles will accompany the performance to aid non-Greek-speaking audiences.
“The values expressed by Makriyannis—justice, equality, and integrity—are universal,” Artis said.
“His message resonates across cultures.”
Artis admits that certain lines from the memoirs deeply move him.
“The well-known passage, ‘We are for the we, not the I,’ touches me every time. It’s a timeless, relevant statement.”
The production aims to connect audiences with the principles of Greek history.
“I want Greek audiences to feel pride in their heritage and remember the importance of justice and equality. For non-Greek viewers, the message is equally powerful because these values are universal.”
This marks Artis’s first attempt at a one-man show—a challenge he finds both daunting and exhilarating.
“It’s a unique experience to embody such an important historical figure and convey his story in an inspiring way,” he said.
Makriyannis will be staged at the Doncaster Playhouse (679 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster VIC 3108) for three performances on Friday, 6 December at 7pm and Saturday, 7 December at 5pm & 7.30pm.
The performance runs for 90 minutes without intermission and is recommended for audiences aged 15 and above.
For more information, contact the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
