In a "State of Siege" with "Crazy Colors"
- ATLAS E.P.
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
The Theatrical Groupf of Deaf "Crazy Colors" presents the play "State of Siege" by Albert Camus at Avaton Theatre from February 1st for 16 performances and ATLAS E.P. complements this project with CAPS Surtitles in every performance for equal access to the content.
About the performance
After World War II, Camus wrote this allegorical play, set in a dystopian setting and revolving around the outbreak of a deadly plague in a village in Spain. The author devises the strategic enforcement of a plan through the personification of the plague as an anthropomorphic entity. With the ultimate goal of rapidly imposing a global dictatorship, the result is the outbreak of social unrest, where individual freedoms become obsolete. “Certificates of existence” are necessary and one cannot live without them. The symbolic embodiment of the plague is aligned with the totalitarian purpose of spreading fear, as a state of siege has been declared and everyone is considered a suspect.
Fear is the central theme throughout the play. Camus' view of the absurdity of human existence suggests that fear can be defeated through solidarity, love and collective resistance. Camus's literary power can be seen through key symbolisms between the absurd and the tragic, and in the performance these symbolisms are further enhanced.
The play is performed with the participation of both Deaf and hearing actors, combining Greek Sign Language and vocal acting in order to create a unique bilingual stage narrative. This narrative incorporates theatrical techniques such as pantomime, lyrical monologue and the "chorus of tragedy" as a choral ensemble. The intense absurdism and fast pace of the play lead to the use of expressionistic elements, often exploring themes of madness, paranoia and betrayal. At the same time, accessibility services are incorporated into the theatrical framework, adding a different dimension to the performance, highlighting techniques to accessibility issues, such as the accompaniment of surtitles (in Greek) for equal access to the auditory channel of communication.
The performance is an artistic work, which appeals to both Deaf and hearing audiences.
With the support of the French Institute of Greece. The performance is actualised under the auspices and with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.
About Crazy Colors
The Theatrical Group of Deaf "Crazy Colors" was formed in 2009 and is a partnership of Deaf and hearing actors. Through a regular involvement with theatre, the Group has showcased new codes in acting expression, utilising sign language with a fresh pair of eyes, along with vocal acting, the principles of improvisation and the techniques of physical theatre. In 2023, the Group was awarded an Honorary Commendation for their work by the Hellenic Association of Theatre and Performing Arts Critics at the Theatre and Performing Arts Awards. Throughout their career, the Group has had the honour of collaborating with important cultural institutions. Indicatively, the National Archaeological Museum, the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, Ancient Olympia, the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Roumeli, the National Theatre of Northern Greece, the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, the Theatre of Thessaly, the Federation of the Deaf of Greece, the Association of Deaf, the French Institute of Athens, the Italian Cultural Institute of Greece, etc. This is the sixth time that the Ministry of Culture & Sports funds one of their projects.
Performance Identity:
Author: Albert Camus
Translation: Giannis Thivaios
Adaptation - Direction: Elli Merkouri
Set design: Zoi Molyvda-Fameli
Costume design: Eirini Georgakila
Music: Nikos Kyriazis
Choreography: Mata Marra
Text adaptation in Greek Sign Language: Myrto Ganouri, Olga Dalekou
Lighting design: Marietta Pavlaki
Poster Design: Sofia Zaga
Graphic Design: Maria Stefani
Photos, promo video: Dafni Drakouli
Accessibility Services: ATLAS E.P.
Surtitling review: Emmanouela Patiniotaki
Surtitling for equal access: Ilias Katsigiannis
Make-up: Stella Hatzopoulou
Costume manufacturing: Atelier Tsiouni
Communication manager: Antonis Kokolakis
Cast:
Dalekou Olga
Merkouri Elli
Papakostas Lefteris
Stefani Maria
With the participation of the interpreter Myrto Ganouri
Vocal acting:
Tsagkaraki Giouli
Paraskevopoulou Nagi
Estimated duration of the performance: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Information-Bookings:
+30 210-3412689
+30 6947344099 (SMS)
Tickets presale:
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