“Koutrouli’s Wedding” by Alexandros Ragavis

The Theatre Group of the Pan-Hellenic Union of Paraplegic and Physically Challenged -that was founded in 1992- presents the theatrical play “Koutrouli’s Wedding” by Alexandros Ragavis, in direction by Aggela Kazakidou, on Sunday 9th of June 2013, at 20:30.

The theatrical text is a classical satiric comedy and of course contemporary that approaches “politicking behavior” of both politicians and voters with sensitiveness and common sense.

The theatrical group was the first ‘child’ of the Pan-Hellenic Union of Paraplegic & Physically Challenged. Born … a few months after the foundation of our association (the second half of 1992). It surely wasn’t “a premature birth” because the thought and idea of the creation of a theatrical group existed in the minds of our founding members for quite some time.

It was formed out of the need to create a group that could give people with a disability the opportunity to develop social activities, their artistic and spiritual needs and their support their mental and social evolution and give a unique opportunity to bring people with and without disability together in a very positive and creative way. So the theatrical group was born.

At the same time, through our performances that are full of images and actions we underline a very important fact that “disability does not mean inability.” Through the years our theatrical group was the best ambassador for our union for the abilities of persons with a disability and especially for persons with a physical disability. The best tool to educate society and act as a “flag bearer” in the struggle to overthrow the myth of the “unproductive person with a disability” showing through theater their abilities and talents. Because persons who serve the arts, poetry, gesture and music certainly are people with many … creative abilities.

We believe that we play Theatre because we can!

We thank all those people that helped us in our new theatrical performance.
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The theatrical group started in 1992 by doing its first tentative steps. Starting with small and simple plays, successive presentations of theatrical dialogue supported by our own choir and dance and wheelchair dance. After two years our group stepped more firmly on its feet and started performing beautiful theater with a unique style, including revue shows and musicals that were played throughout Greece.

In 1994 -1995 we staged the theatrical play: “A CRAZY CRAZY NIGHT”, in 1995 – 1996 the revue: “Oh my sweet Greece “, in 1996 – 1997: the revue show: “What did JASON see in Athens”. In 1998 – 1999 we staged the play: “MEDEA” by the greek writer Bost, which was performed in major theaters throughout Greece such “the Lycabettus theater” on Lycabettus Hill in Athens, at “the Veakio Theater” in Pireus, and in most capitals of Greece. In 2000-2001 we dared to stage Aristophanes work “THE KNIGHTS” played successfully in the major theaters of our country.

In 2002-2003, the theatrical group tested its abilities with a classical play of international dramaturgy and the work of Molière “GEORGES DANDIN OR THE CONFOUNDED HUSBAND”. In 2003 – 2004 we raised the bar even higher with the work of George Souris, “CHEIRAFETISIS” a play that is considered a milestone in the Greek drama and the most complete work of the great Greek satirical writer. In 2004 – 2005 we staged the work of Gregory Xenopoulos ‘THE TEMPTATION’. In 2006 we staged three one-act plays by Anton Chekhov, “The Bear,” “Request a wedding”, “Anniversary”, with the overall title: “THE EFFECTS OF A HARMFUL AND HAZARDOUS … WEDDING”.

In 2007 – 2008 we staged the satire of Manolis Korres “MIDAS HAS EARS”. Finally, in 2009-2010, we staged the play “TARTUFFE” ‘by Moliere. This year’s creation of the theatrical group is one of the works of the famous Greek writer Alexander Ragavis, entitled: “THE WEDDING OF KOUTROULIS” freely adapted and directed by Angela KAZAKIDI.