Art and womanhood take centre stage this July as KTIRION 53 – a space for hosting and supporting artists – begins its residency programme ROOMS by presenting the works of three women Cypriot artists. The decision to select only female artists for the first residency programme promotes the organisation’s support of gender equality and amplifies women’s voices in art. This initiative highlights the creative and cultural contributions of female artists, providing them with a space to express their views, experiences and ideas. Three separate performances are set to take place throughout July at the new Nicosia venue, located in the old town.
Besides supporting women artists, this round of the residency also promotes discussion about the role of women in contemporary Cypriot society. By challenging dominant portrayals of women, it opens the way for new and interesting perspectives. Topics of female identity, diversity in art and more are to be explored.
The first selected artist to present her performance is Nasia Kelepeshi who will showcase Sweet Nightmare on July 16. The performance shows a woman’s effort to follow the rules needed to become perfect and accepted by a patriarchal society. With beautiful and sensual movements, objects and music, a female body creates on-stage images full of contrasts.
On July 18, actress-performer Natalia Panayiotou raises questions about how our identity, path and entire life are determined through a creative theatrical approach. Her piece Whose Are You? is a solo performance that explores the entrenched ideas of the patriarchal system, emphasising the position of women in a social context. She examines what it really means to be a woman today, while also investigating whether identity stems from the name and history we carry from childhood and if it influences our path. With humour, sarcasm and directness, the performer aims to create a stimulus for dialogue between the stage and the audience.
The final performance of the residency programme will take place on July 25 with Myri Argyrou’s C’est La Vie. This story deals with the journey of a little girl from her childhood to womanhood, including efforts to rid herself of sexism and social stereotypes that want women to think in a certain way.
All performances begin at 8pm and have a €12 ticketed entry.
ROOMS
Residency program by KTIRION 53. Performances by Nasia Kelepeshi, Natalia Panayiotou and Myri Argyrou. July 16, 18 and 25. KTIRION 53, Nicosia. 8pm. €12. In Greek. www.more.com. Tel: 7000-1384
