New York, February 5-6: Kampanellis' play "Letter to Orestes"

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: "Connie Mourtoupalas" <mourtoupala@greekembassy.org>

"Letter to Orestes" by Greek Playwright Iakovos Kampanellis

Strawberry One-Act Festival Sunday, February 5th Monday February 6th at 9:00 p.m. at The Producers Club II, 616 Ninth Avenue, New York (between 43rd & 44th Streets) For tickets call (646) 623-3488 or go online at http://www.therianttheatre.com/

A Greek play "Letter to Orestes" by Iakovos Kampanellis was selected to participate in the Strawberry One-Act Festival coming in February. "Letter to Orestes" with another one-act play "The Supper" also by Iakovos Kampanellis was staged three years ago in Washington DC by SCENA theatre. It was directed by Robert McNamara and the role of Clytemnestra was acted by Ioanna Gavakou.

Bob Anthony, arts critic from National Public Radio's Washington DC affiliate, wrote about the Washington performance:

"Scena Theatre is presenting two riveting one-acts by Iakovos Kambanellis, one of the most respected of modern Greek playwrights. In a modern adaptation, Mr. Kambanellis brilliantly brings the turmoil of the Greek house of Atreus to a down-to-earth presentation of dysfunctional family and its in-fighting. The first one-act "Letter to Orestes" belongs to Ioanna Gavakou as Clytemnestra in a superb monologue as she writes to Orestes, the son, to describe the failures in her married life that causes her and her lover to murder Agamemnon. Ms Gavakou is the finest local interpreter of classical Greek drama. She has a magnificent range with grand gestures and superb transitions between portraying strengths and weaknesses of character. Such a performance would suffice for a complete theatrical experience. Robert McNamara proves his understanding of classical themes and action with powerful direction that has plenty of variety to keep one's attention to the themes and foibles of ancient Greek royalty. Bob Antony, Arts Critic review 4u The performance which will to be seen at the festival is directed by Robert McNamara and Ioanna Gavakou. The Kaiy Tsitseli did the translation and the music for the play is by Nena Venetzanou, with production manager Stephanie Madonna. Ioanna Gavakou plays the role of Clytemnestra, the role of Electra is played by Letha Konstantinides and the role of Orestes is played by Martin Meisel.

At the Strawberry One-Act festival fifty one-act plays compete for the first prize. The festival has run for the last six years and this year you can follow it at the Producers Club II, 616 Ninth Avenue, between 43rd and 44th Street, NYC.

The performances for "Letter to Orestes" are Sun, February 5th & Mon, February 6th at 9pm.

The price of the ticket is $15. With this ticket you can follow all four one-act plays which compete these days. You must ask for the Series F plays. For reservations go at http://www.therianttheatre.com/ or call at (646) 623-3488.

If "Letter to Orestes" makes it to the semi-finals there are going to be five additional performances. You can get more information about these performances from the above website and telephone number.

The Riant Theatre - http://www.therianttheatre.com/

The Riant Theatre's Strawberry One-Act Festival Goes Worldwide With Broadcast Via The Internet

50 One-Act Plays To Compete For Title Of Best Play Of The Season Join Us As The Audience and Judges Cast Their Votes

When: February 3rd thru 19th Time: Monday thru Friday at 7pm & 9pm; Sat & Sun at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm & 9pm Where: The Producers Club II, 616 Ninth Avenue, (between 43rd & 44th St.), NYC Tickets: $15, 25 For reservations: (646) 623-3488 or www.therianttheatre.com

The Awards Ceremony & Performance When: February 27th at 7pm Where: The Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space 2537 Broadway at 95th St. Tickets: $35.00 For reservations: (646) 623-3488 or www.therianttheatre.com

The Riant Theatre kicks off The Strawberry One-Act Festival on Friday, February 3rd at 7pm at The Producers Club II, 616 Ninth Avenue, NYC, between 43rd & 44th St. For tickets call (646) 623-3488 or go online at www.therianttheatre.com. Tickets to the Strawberry One-Act Festival are $15.00 from February 3rd thru 16th. Show times 7pm and 9pm, daily Monday through Sunday. Tickets to the Finals, February 17th & February 18th at 7:00 p.m. & February 19th at 3:00 p.m. are $25.00 and includes a reception after the show. The Awards Ceremony & Performance will be on Monday, February 27th at The Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St. Tickets: $35.00

The Strawberry One-Act Festival embarks on its 11th season this winter . . . the Strawberry Festival, the brainchild of Artistic Director, Van Dirk Fisher, is a play competition in which the audience and the theatre's judges cast their votes to select the best play of the season. Twice a year, hundreds of plays from across the country are submitted for the competition, of which 50 are chosen to compete. Plays move from the 1st round to the semi-finals and then the finals. The playwright of the winning play receives a grant and the opportunity to have a full-length play developed by the Riant.

New this season! See the Strawberry One-Act Festival online at www.therianttheatre.com. All plays will be available to view online on the 2nd day of each scheduled performance in each Series. To view the festival online the price is $25.00 for each Series and Semi Final performance.

Series A & B: February 4     Series C & D:  February 5  
Series E & F:   February 6      Series G & H:  February 8
Series I & J:  February 10     Series K & L:   February 12

Semi Finals #1 & 2: February 12 Semi Finals #3 & 4: February 14 Semi Finals #5: February 16

Finals: February 18, 2006. Online: $35

For press tickets and interviews with the producer, playwrights, actors and/or directors call Van Dirk Fisher 646-623-3488.

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