Following the triumphant 2024 tour of Konstantinos Kalymnios’s theatrical production Opoú Gís kai Patris across Greece, the highly anticipated sequel is set to return to Australia this March.

Titled Opoú Gís kai Patris 2: From One End to the Other, the new play will once again feature acclaimed actors Elena Tsefalá and Stamatis Tzelepis.

The script is a collaborative effort by Kalymnios, esteemed actor and writer Vasilis Yavris, and Elena Tsefalá.

The play will debut at Sydney’s Mantouridion Theatre as part of the city’s Greek Festival from March 6-9.

In Melbourne, the performances will take place under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, with two scheduled shows on March 14 and 15 at 7.30pm at Kew High School Theatre.

Reflecting on the production, Elena Tsefalá expressed her excitement about its return.

“The overwhelming response to last year’s production, along with the heartfelt messages from audiences, inspired Konstantinos Kalymnios and me to co-write a sequel,” Tsefala said.

“We were delighted to welcome Vasilis H. Yavris to our writing team, as he brings a deep understanding of the migration experience, having family ties to Australia. As a child of migrants myself, my academic and research focus has long been on Diaspora Theatre, particularly Greek theatre in Australia from 1910 to 2010. My work currently involves analysing 64 interviews with Greek-Australian theatre contributors who have shaped and continue to shape the local scene. Every time I return to Australia, it feels like coming home, as my connection with this community began nearly 20 years ago.

We are deeply grateful to the Greek Festival of Sydney and its president, Nia Karteri, as well as the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria and its president, Vasilis Papastergiadis, for their invitation and collaboration. We look forward to seeing everyone again.”

Director and actor Stamatis Tzelepis also shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to return to the Greek-Australian community for the third time. This is a significant creative milestone for us, as these performances are dedicated to the Greek Diaspora. Our collaboration with Konstantinos Kalymnios continues, and we look forward to future projects together. We thank him wholeheartedly and can’t wait to see you all again soon!”

For ticket reservations, visit the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne or book online.