Katheti zooms in on Melachrinos Velentzas
Do you remember the theatrical performance “Lemon”? Katheti zooms in on Melachrinos Velentzas so that we remember the past and hear about the present. Melachrinos Velentzas is an actor, pianist and art producer. He is a member of the Experimento team and plays the leading part in “Lemon”, which was presented in May 2018 at Klados estate in Galatas and in July of the same year on the ferryboat at Poros. In addition, Melachrinos implemented a two-day workshop entitled “From Idea into Action”.
Memories and connection to our area
Talking to Fay Orfanidou, he says: “It was a very nice experience. It is one of the shows that I like to do because they are decentralized.” He continues: “It is very moving how people gather. It takes you back to the basics of theatre. Someone is telling a story and someone is coming to hear it. And it is interesting how you incorporate the elements of the area, the place where you play.”
He believes that tours create small cradles and says: “This is the reason why I like to travel with the theater. I claim locally the connection with the viewer. What is happening over there is very important, because it makes sense. You connect with these people and memory is created.”
Our time and the pandemic
He expresses the view that we live in an era that forces a fast pace and quick decisions. So, often we can’t enjoy the journey of our life. He claims that our normal function is not such. As he characteristically says, “We need something milder.”
He continues: “There comes a disease that stops time and reveals weaknesses in the way we live. A small plus of the pandemic is the time given to us.” He argues that after what happened we can’t expect a return to normality, because things are evolving, “You do not return somewhere.”
“The theatre exists where there are spectators”
This year the “Lemon” tour begins with this idea in mind. With performances at festivals in Athens and Thessaloniki, but also with decentralized performances in theatres, open spaces, even at sea. Melachrinos Velentzas describes it as a play with open meaning, which triggers thoughts, but does not take a position.
As for his future plans, from the autumn he will be at “Porta” theatre with “Cost of living” (Title in Greek “Πόσο κοστίζει να ζεις”) directed by Thomas Moschopoulos. A Pulitzer Prize-winning play that deals with disability in communication using physical disability as a starting point. On a production level, he prepares “Εκτελούνται μεταφοραί” (Transports Executed), based on his own short story. The story of a transporter who unravels the thread of illness, human beings’ relationship with time, life and acceptance of death.
“Culture is the umbrella under which a community lives”
In the broader sense of culture, he includes the small changes with great value that we can make. The willingness to defend our fellow human beings, the constant redefinition so we don’t lose our centre, the observation and the connection to the whole.
All these values also define Katheti’s attitude towards society as a whole. The series of interviews “Katheti zooms in on…” connects us with people who inspire with their thinking and attitude. Katheti zooms in on Melachrinos Veletzas because the mark he leaves with his art transcends the city boundaries and reaches our small cradles. Because he is a person who reminds us to live a rich, meaningful life and to choose things with which we are connected.
