Eleni Kastani shares her experience from the play “The Right, the Left, and Mr. Pantelis,” which is now in its second year at the Mikro Pallas. The comedy, written by Sakelarios and Giannakopoulos, traces a family’s journey through the turbulent moments of Greek history, from the Liberation to the December Uprising and Varkiza.
The actress emphasizes that the play stands out for the way it combines dramatic historical events with humor, creating a lively and accessible experience for the audience. Her role as Athena, the mother of the family, gives her the opportunity to portray the classic Greek mother, who cares above all for her family, striving to keep the bonds between her children and her husband alive, despite their political differences.
Kastani highlights the importance of family and upbringing, emphasizing how crucial it is for children what they receive from home and their early education, even compared to the education they will receive later in life. The performance highlights the timeless nature of these values, while at the same time appealing to younger generations, who have no direct experience of that historical era but are captivated by and connect with the story through humor and human relationships.
The actress also mentions her collaboration with Stamatis Fasoulis, who directs and stars in the play, adding his own creative touch and revitalizing the classic play without losing its character and spirit. The cast, which combines experienced actors with new talent, delivers a rich theatrical experience, and the production is also planning a tour, giving more audiences the opportunity to see it.
Kastani’s experience, as portrayed in the play, highlights the value of Greek comedy, the human side of the story, and the undeniable power of family to unite and endure even in the most difficult moments.
