Aziz Nesin’s play “Come on and kill me, my dear”, will be shown on November 6 at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, as part of the International Festival.
Valentina Sophokleous speaks to Voice International on the occasion of the premiere of the play.
Let’s start with the play itself and what is the main plot?
So, the play is a hymn to life! With the unique writing of Aziz Nesin, a pacifist writer who wanted peace and justice for all the peoples of the world.
The play takes place in a big city where loneliness strikes lonely people first. Two grand ladies, widows are forced by circumstances, since they are alone and neighbours, to form a beautiful friendship. This all changes and is turned upside down when they learn that there is a rapist of lonely women in town!
The laughter that Aziz Nesin can pull out of you comes out effortlessly as does the bittersweet taste of loneliness and memories.
Why did you choose this specific play and especially, a play of the award-winning Turkish author Aziz Nesin?
I met Aziz Nesin when he came to Cyprus, a few years before he died. I was a fan of his work. I had respect for such a friend and his work. So, we decided with Derman Atik, my fraternal friend, to put it on stage.
I confess to you that it took a struggle to convince the system to give us even a meager sponsorship. But as most of you know, I don’t give up easily when I believe and believe in the beauty of cooperation between us. Whether we speak Greek or Turkish, we have a lot in common! Derman Atik and I have been friends for years. Before the checkpoints even opened! Our friendship and our love for art is so solid that we couldn’t help but work together! I take this opportunity to say thank you for this nice trip we took together.
Of course, choosing a play of Aziz Nesin will definitely be of interest for Turkish Cypriots. Will it be accessible for them to watch and follow along with the play?
The play is translated with Turkish subtitles and every Cypriot can watch it and enjoy it! We invite people who believe in the idea of cooperation between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to come and support us. It is a celebration of art, friendship and collaboration in the most creative way: THEATER! WELCOME! HOŞGELDİN!
Info on the play:
Director: Derman Atik
Stage installation, costume designer: Lakis Genethlis
Lighting design, sound engineer: Demetris Giannakou
Cast: Popi Avraam, Valentina Sophocleous, Charis Pisias
Kallis Antounas
Voice International 2023
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