On Friday the 7th of November, Theatro Technis brought together creatives, artists, writers, actors and directors from the Cypriot community for the second Who Do You Think you Are? Conference.
Hosted by Kerry Kyriacos Michael, the theatre’s Creative director, over 100 people gathered to explore the themes of identity and ambitions working in the UK.
The afternoon kicked off with Kerry setting the scene, offering good and bad examples from the mainstream. His primary concern was that there was not nearly enough representation of our culture and unique voice, risking the slow eradication of who we are. Contributions from agents Andy Charles and Helen Stafford followed this. Then Cey Sesiguzel talked about his work in the film and distribution industry, and Anthen Mandis, gave an overview of how she saw the successes and challenges within the creative community of Cypriots in the UK. Lorna V, actor and academic, presented her PhD, which is themed around solo theatre artists who, like her, have a migrant heritage and may have experienced displacement. She also shared findings from a survey on well-being and mental health among UK residents, Greek Cypriots, and Greeks.
That was followed by an inspiring and informative large panel discussion from a diverse range of Cypriot creatives. These were: Maria Christodoulou a British Cypriot audio maker and sound artist based in London whose practice explores sound as a primary medium for storytelling. Ioannis Maltabes a Greek Cypriot actor and filmmaker with experience in film editing. Eve Polycarpou acclaimed and boundary-breaking actor, singer, and one-half of the acclaimed music and cabaret duo Donna & Kebab. Sophia Vi a Transgender British Greek Cypriot writer, director, actor and producer. Cosh Omar, playwright, actor, and published writer, who was a former writer-in-Residence at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Work includes: The Battle of Green Lanes, The Great Extension. Yeliz Zaifoglu a London-born Cypriot artist working in photography, film & archives, exploring identity, culture, and human experience. Who uses visual storytelling to challenge norms and highlight underrepresented narratives, particularly those surrounding intimate moments, queerness and diaspora through an analogue lens. This panel was chaired by Elena Yianni, a Greek Cypriot multidisciplinary artist whose practice often reflects the lives of communities she knows well – working-class families, Cypriots, women, young people, and those from council estates. All this was transfered onto a large mood board by Dr Marilyn Panayi. The conference came to an end with an ‘audience pitching session’ where we heard of over 30 ideas that the audience were in development with. The evening ended with what the organisers called the first of its kind – a full line up of Cypriot Comedy. Hosted by the wacky Olga Thompson, also known as the Big Fat Greek Mother, on the lineup was Chris Mousicos, Georgia Thorp, and Christoforos Epaminondas. They all went down a storm, as they explored and laughed, looking at their roots and families. There was also food and drink in the bar thought out the day.
It was clear to see the importance and appreciation for this event by the full auditorium, and excitement and energy throughout the day. On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the death of the founding director of Theatro Technis, George Eugeniou, there is no doubt he would be proud of the renewed purpose of work that Theatro Technis is now undertaking.
About Theatro Technis
Founded in 1957 by George Eugeniou, Theatro Technis has been an independent company and venue for over six decades. Now, with Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE joining as its Creative Director, a new era is beginning. Kerry, known for his passion for culturally diverse and disruptive work and leadership of Theatre Royal Stratford East, aims to bring fresh perspectives to the organisation.
Nestled between King’s Cross and Camden, Theatro Technis has a rich history of celebrating both local and international artists. With resident companies over the years, such as Tamasha Theatre Company, Gate Theatre, Scene and Heard, The Production Exchange, and London Sinfonietta, the venue continues to expand its programme. Hosting popular events like the Camden Fringe Festival and Shubbak Festival and showcasing emerging talent from around the world, Theatro Technis remains a vibrant hub for innovative Theatre and performance. At its heart, the venue is dedicated to serving its diverse and dynamic community.
www.theatrotechnis.com
Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE
Kerry is a second-generation Cypriot. He heads up Kyriacos and Company, a UK-based production company that makes TV, FILM, and Theatre. He was a founder member and chair of MENA Arts UK, a board member of the British Council’s Arts Advisory Group, and on the executive board of the performing arts and entertainment trade union, EQUITY. In June 2022, he also became the creative director of Theatro Technis @ 26 Crowndale, the home of Theatro Technis.
He is also developing various pieces of Theatre in the UK and US as a director, maker and producer.
He was Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Stratford East from Sept 2004 to Sept 2017. For 13 years, he forged the Theatre’s commitment to develop new work & provide a platform for voices under-represented. He won two Olivier awards, seven nominations, two What’s on Stage Awards, and the UK Best Touring Theatre Award. He forged the Theatre’s commitment to develop new work & provide a platform for voices under-represented. His inaugural season was nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘a powerful season of provocative work that reaches new audiences.’ Its hip-hop production Pied Piper won an Olivier that year, and Kerry’s production of Cinderella was nominated for an Olivier, the first pantomime nominated in the Awards’ history. Other nominations since then include You Me Bum Bum Train, Roadkill, Oh What a Lovely War & The Government Inspector.
In March 2018, Kerry won Artistic Director of The Year at the OFF WEST END Awards and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. In the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, he was made an MBE for services to the Arts.
www.kmichael.info
@1kerrymichael
