Tina Krontiris (Professor), script writer and director of the Bard’s Players
In the 27 years that I teach Shakespeare at Aristotle University, the text has always been the focus of my discussions in class. Some time ago, at the International Shakespeare Conference in Stratford, I signed up for a series of acting workshops offered by members of the RSC. These workshops, which were mind openers for me, showed me techniques through which the text could become the center of attention in a group situation. I tried some of these techniques casually in my classes, but I realized that for a really good result I would have to train my students in practical things, like where to pause in a verse line and how to determine the rhythm. The celebration of the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death gave me the opportunity to work more systematically with a group of students who are willing to invest time and creative energy in “serious” play. I am looking forward to the result.
Dimitra Koutla (PhD candidate), group manager
I am a PhD candidate and devoted student of all things relating to Renaissance England. My research covers the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and in particular the philosophy and literature of England’s first colonial ventures. I fell in love with Shakespeare when I was 16, walking in a park in a small town in Germany, when I happened upon a rehearsal of a play in a smaller replica of the Rose Theater. Above the entrance were written in bold black letters: “All the world’s a stage, and men and women are merely players.”
Christos Grozos
I joined the Bard Players with a will to be able to perform in English and have a different approach to Shakespeare's works. The in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's plays leads to a better understanding and a better performance for an actor and since this is the way this group works, at the end I am quite happy I was auditioned, because I have further ambitions for becoming an actor!!
Elizabeth Kechagia
I am in the fourth year of my studies in the English Department. Ever since I was a little girl I loved the theater because it was the only activity that didn’t wear me down. I could play for hours and hours. Now I love it more, since it gives me the opportunity to have experiences that I couldn’t otherwise have access to and to surpass my own limits. Who better than Shakespeare to be my guide in this journey? In his plays you can impersonate such a great variety of roles, from mighty Kings to men-turned-asses!
Kate Kotiou
My love for the Bard started when I was 8 and watched a Disney movie that had drawn its inspiration from the Bard’s “Hamlet”. I begged and begged my mother to get me the book and she eventually brought me a book of Shakespeare’s Tales adapted for children. I have been under his spell ever since; taking part in a group that acted out scenes of his plays came naturally but not without challenges to me. Throughout the experience I have met and worked with a group of amazing people, all of whom share my passion for the great Bard.
Vassileia Moschou
I am 19 years old and a second year student in the department of English Language and Literature, AUTH. I decided to participate in The Bard Players because I am incurably in love with Shakespeare and theatre in general. Although I did not have an early contact with theatre, I had a relatively early start with Shakespeare. For me, theatre and Shakespeare are two magical worlds that need exploration. Therefore, what could be better than to start this exploration with people that share the same passion with me?
Adrian Frilingos
Joining the Bard's Players was first of all a great opportunity for me to work with other people onstage but offstage as well, as this is the part of theatre I appreciate the most. I believe collaborating with the team is the most valuable thing to be gained through being part of a drama group, as it offers a chance to open the mind to new views and ideas while helping rediscover qualities that, quite often, are so deeply buried within us that even we cannot possibly believe we possess them. The challenge of acting in English, a completely new experience for me, also contributed to my decision to audition for the Bard's Players.
Stacy Chatzidima
Everyone at some point in his/her life hears about William Shakespeare and his masterpieces. Even though I was quite familiar with his works, when I saw the announcement that a small theatrical project was forming to celebrate the 400 years from his death I felt an urge to be a part of it. So I joined ‘The Bard Players’ to gain more knowledge about Shakespearean works, to discover the true meaning behind his words and of course to be a part of the adventure in acting them out .
Sophia Christofidou
I am Sophia and in my third year of studies. My interests lie in various fields, like literature, the creation of comics, drawing, poetry, dance. I joined the Bard Players because I love theatre: reading it, writing it, performing it. Participating in a Shakespeare theatre group is an opportunity to perform and discover in a new way the work of the great playwright...while also having fun.
Webpage: Kate Kotiou and Tasos Paschalis
Chorus scripts: Kate Kotiou and Tina Krontiris
Sign posts: Foteini Tyrovouzi & Sotiria Kalpachtsi
Dressers: Angeliki Kypraiou & Katerina Markoulaki
Photography: Sotiria Kalpachtsi
Video: Tasos Paschalis
Props: all