at the Dimitris Horn Theater
Odysseas Papaspiliopoulos directs Maria Nafpliotou in *Filumena Marturano*, the bittersweet comedy by Eduardo De Filippo, a brilliant example of Italian neorealism, which encapsulates an entire era within its pages and stands as one of the most beloved works in the global theatrical repertoire, continuing to move audiences even today, 77 years after its premiere in Naples (1946).
Maria Nafpliotou embodies an iconic woman, Filumena, in a landmark role that has been portrayed by leading actresses (such as Sophia Loren) around the world.
Her co-star on stage is Meletis Ilias, who is perfect in the role of Domenico Soriano.
Filumena Marturano started out as a prostitute and ended up as the mistress of the wealthy merchant Domenico Soriano. Now, after several years of living together, she is claiming the place she deserves. An unexpected secret upsets the balance and changes the situation.
A play that puts women under the microscope, problematic family and social structures, and stereotypes, bringing two worlds into conflict through the author’s masterful language.
As Odysseas Papaspiliopoulos writes:
“It all happened once. Once, they told her she had become a woman. She’s not a girl anymore. Once upon a time, she left her parents’ house and went to that other ‘home.’ Once upon a time, she met him. Once upon a time, he met her. Once she got pregnant, and then again and again. And once he asked her to stay with him—without ever really asking her. Then he forgot about it.
At one point, three children were born. They never found out whose children they were.
And one day… that “one day” grew tired. And it wanted it to happen now.
Now… between her and him. Who have never met, until now. Who have never truly lived, until now.
She never found out who he really was. Domenico Soriano.
And he never found out who she really is. Filumena Marturano. The woman who never cries. Until now. She’s about to find out. And now we’re about to find out, too.
And those kids will learn it, too. They need to learn it.
Because, as a hidden voice in the darkness says…
“Kids will be kids.”
“And soon the first light of a new life will dawn.”
