Theatre

Rajiv Joseph’s play “Gruesome Playground Injuries”

The play “Gruesome Playground Injuries” by the multi awarded playwright Rajiv Joseph is presented for the first time in Greece in translation of Adonis Galeos, at the renewed stage of Ilissia Volanakis Theater, Athens, from November 7th 2015 onwards, thus introducing the Theatre’s midnight performances.

The play narrates a 30-year relationship animated by the two actors, under the direction of Giannis Bezos. The well regarded actor and director explores human relations nowadays in a black comedy, so hilarious and touching at the same time as never before in the genre. The play was staged in London in 2012, in Los Angeles in 2014 and in New York in 2011 and 2015.

Why do we hurt ourselves for claiming love and affection? This question arises naturally while watching the two actors, Christos Spanos and Agorasti Arvaniti, loving each other, challenging each other, but also trying to win back each other in their own unprecedented way.

It’s a story about people that cannot accept that they are meant to be together, although they know that if they break up they will die. It’s a race time, a game among the present, the past and the future – not necessarily in that order – an exciting and riveting adventure. Actors who are asked to play Doug and Kayleen should depict many different ages of the characters without ever leaving the stage. “Thus, the play is very demanding at the same time emotionally and physically”, stated the playwright who added that Playground is also funny because “without humor we will come up against a dark story”.

Rajiv Joseph is considered to be one of the most important playwrights in USA during the second decade of the 21st century. This story is told in disarming sincerity addressing people of today by using modern language.

Credits:
Translation: Adonis Galeos
Direction: Giannis Bezos
Set Designer: Katerina Ainarozidou
Costumes: Dominiki Vasiageorgi
Music: Chrysa Tsaltampasi, Ektor TsolakisFeaturing: Christos Spanos, Agorasti Arvaniti

The Artbassador has granted the licence for the stage production of the play to Ilissia Volanakis Theater on behalf of the playwright Rajiv Joseph and his Agency The Gersh Agency.