Australian audiences are invited to watch a free online stream of the acclaimed South Australian stage production The Gods of Strangers by playwright Elena Carapetis streaming now until Monday 29 June.
The Gods of Strangers was first brought to the stage presented by Country Arts SA in partnership with State Theatre Company South Australia and Playwriting Australia. This online streaming of a recording of the play now opens an opportunity for audiences across Australia to enjoy this epic comedic drama.
Port Pirie in South Australia is the inspiration and setting for The Gods of Strangers and hosted the world premiere of the work in 2018 before it went on to enjoy a season at the Dunstan Playhouse at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
A historical work of fiction set in 1947 Port Pirie, The Gods of Strangers was inspired by the oral histories of post WWII Greek, Cypriot and Italian migrants to regional SA, and Elena’s own family history in the town. The stage production received critical acclaim with a standing ovation on opening night.
“It was a thought-provoking performance, well worth seeing” – InDaily
“Warm-hearted, affecting and full of verve” – Adelaide Theatre Guide.
Country Arts SA CE Anthony Peluso said “When we premiered The Gods of Strangers in Port Pirie there was a palpable energy as communities came together, relived histories and shared them with younger generations. I am elated that two years later we are bringing this production to a nationwide audience to share the intimacy and poignancy of this important part of our history. This is such a special initiative with State Theatre Company South Australia and provides a rich opportunity for audiences all over Australia to relive that opening night or discover something new. We invite you all to a great night in at the theatre.”
State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director Mitchell Butel said, “State Theatre Company South Australia has a deep commitment to South Australian stories and artists. We have a similar commitment to ensuring our work plays widely throughout the state. Our former Resident Artist Elena Carapetis’ work as an actress, director and writer has been widely acclaimed and her beautiful, hilarious and affecting play was similarly beloved by audiences. We’re thrilled that with this streaming, more people will get to see these wonderful characters in action.”
Chat live with Elena Carapetis over a cuppa – Sunday 28 June, 4 pm (Adelaide ACST) Q&A So you have seen the play, now meet the playwright. In the tradition of gathering over a cuppa, join Elena Carapetis and actor Renato Musolino on Facebook for an informal chat and Q&A on The Gods of Strangers. We even get a look into Elena’s kitchen as she prepares the traditional Greek sweet Galaktoboureko.
Registrations are required for the online streaming and Q&A. Please visit https://www.countryarts.org.au/events/the-godsof-strangers-streaming/ to register.
The Gods of Strangers was directed by Geordie Brookman, and features Dina Panozzo, Eugenia Fragos, Deborah Galanos, Renato Musolino, Elizabeth Hay and Phillipos Zaikos.
As with the stage play, the recorded version of The Gods of Strangers will have Greek, Italian and English surtitles, plus sections performed in Greek and Italian.