The Greek Cultural Center of New York celebrates its 25th anniversary with the Nov. 6-29 staging of Slawomir Mrozek's The Emigrants, a drama -- in Greek -- about "the universal human experience of emigration in search of a better life." Translated into Greek from the French (Les Emigres), the drama concerns an blue-collar immigrant worker (played by John Kallianotis) and an intellectual political exile (George Best) who share a basement and a dream of a better place. One hopes to support his family in a new world of plenty, the other seeks to flee the establishment in his country.
Athens native Best and Greek-American Kallianotis have worked in theatres throughout the New York area.
Maria Karra Gouveris directs The Emigrants in a 99-seat basement theatre at the GCC, where performances have been staged for 25 years. More than 45 productions have been produced over the years.The GCC is dedicated to keeping Greek roots alive for Greek-Americans in the New York City area.
The GCC books or produces readings, literary events, performances, dance shows, plays and social gatherings (in Greek and English) under the direction of Anna Yiannetakis.
English-language performances of The Emigrants may be scheduled later this season, according to a spokesman.
Playwright Mrozek was born in Poland in 1930. His works came to prominence when he fled Poland and settled in Paris, where his plays were translated. His works include Tango, Striptease, The Police, The Open Sea, Pierre's Torture.
The Greek Cultural Center is at 27-18 Hoyt Avenue, in Astoria, Queens, NY. Tickets are $12. Call (718) 726-7329 for information.
-- By Kenneth Jones
