An Athenian theatre group has refashioned the Norwegian folk tale "Østenfor sol og vestenfor måne" into a play. "Από που πάνε για το κάστρο, παρακαλώ?" is primarily made for children, but it will appeal to anyone with a soft spot for myth and folklore.
The premiere on January 16 attracted a sizable amount of adult spectators in addition to young children. The play aroused laughter from people in every age group. "We are very satisfied with the reception" said actress Angeliki Frangou with a smile.
From the left: Angeliki Frangou, Nikos Vatikiotis, Athina Arseni, Margarita Kyrigianni and Nadia Syriou. Photo: The Norwegian embassy
The people behind the project
Kindergarden teacher Margarita Kyragianni and actress Angeliki Frangou first conceived the idea. Margarita then adapted the story for the theatre, and started rehearsing the play together with Nikos Vatikiotis and Nadia Syriou.
The three actors display a lot of "Kefi". Their energy and enthusiasm is expressed through mimics and dances, so that even non-Greek speakers can enjoy the play.
Watch a videoclip from the play
A Norwegian folk tale
The story is centred around a young heroine, whose love for the other characters drives the story forward. She wields braveness and cunning in her Odyssean quest to claim the prince, "And they lived happily ever after."
The original story is entitled Østenfor sol og vestenfor måne. It is a tale about the perserverance of love and the vanquishing of evil forces. It can be found amongst many other stories in Asbjørnsen and Moe's "Norske folkeeventyr" (released in the 1840s). At the University of Pittsburgh's web pages you can read the english version.
For Greeks interested in Norwegian folk tales, "Ανατολικά από τον Ήλιο και δυτικά από το φεγγάρι" can be found among other tales in the book Μύθοι και Θρύλοι της Νορβηγίας. The book is written by Σώτη Χριστογιάννη, and published by Εκδόσεις καστανιώτη.
Practical information
Where: 22 Erechtheion, Acropolis
When: Saturday 17.30 and Sunday 11.30
General admission: 10 euros
Event Duration: 1:15
Reservations call: 6983-434636