Spyridonia Kraniotis
Talented artist Johnny O directs, writes and stars in Nosferatu, presented at the Furnos Theatre, based on one of the most seminal films in vampire history from 1922, Murnau’s Nosferatu.
It is a delightful and interesting show, which keeps the viewer’s interest undiminished, offering plenty of laughter and a unique theatrical experience, where theater and cinema converse on stage.
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“Art is the only weapon we have against the barbarism of the modern age” says Johnny O in Jungle and adds: “Collaboration, creation and the stimuli that man receives touch his sensitive and very important chords, thus opening a window to the essence of things, that is, to self-improvement, thinking, peace and inspiration”.
The remarkable artist also reveals his future plans as well as what he dreams of for his artistic journey.
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Tell us a little about your show “Nosferatu”
The performance “Nomsferatu” (m: mime and mute) is an adaptation of the well-known film by F. Murnau, which, through the acting form of silent cinema, brings to the stage the story of the lonely vampire Count Orlok. The actors move to the rhythm of silent cinema, while the projections of G. Karapiperidis give us the stage spaces of the performance, as well as a short film, which tells us the past of Nosferatu.
What fascinated you about Murnau’s film so that you adapted the well-known fable and directed your particular performance. More generally, what criteria do you use to select the projects you direct?
I love adapting and directing fables or movies with this aesthetic for years. This particular film was the first silent horror film. My aim was to give a comedic touch, but at the same time to tell the story of Bram Stoker in my own way. The criterion by which I choose my works is one: anything that inspires me in the current phase of my life. It is usually a movie, a book or a fable.
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Old classic cinema and silent cinema in particular would you say is your favorite source of inspiration?
Silent cinema is a source of inspiration and creation for me. Since my childhood I adored the expressiveness and physical precision of the actors of that time. This particular film was a challenge for me to convey the feelings it created for me when I first saw it.
Where did you set your sights on directing and what was the most difficult for you?
All the scenes of the show have been created with the intention of having unexpected events, failures and misunderstandings, so that the heroes “fall” into difficulties and obstacles and the insignificant things become very important. On the other hand, the scary is always for me what is lurking. So I also worked hard to create images of waiting and reversal.
Do you consider it important that someone has seen Murnau’s film in order to watch the show?
I don’t think anyone needs to have seen the movie. Everyone knows the myth of vampires, they feed on human blood, live forever and are lonely creatures.
You are an actor, director and writer. In what capacity do you feel most fulfilled?
A few years ago I only felt complete when I did all three together. Creating a show is a magical process. The development of the story, the roles that are born, the emotions that flood the stage are a miracle. Right now when I’m writing I feel most complete when I’m discovering every aspect of a role. I feel better when I create a character and commit to their personality.
How do you see people’s response?
I am very happy with the response of the people, who are embracing the show with love and warm applause. Those who follow us confirm their preference for us and those who know us for the first time get excited and ask for information about past shows.
Can the theater or the cinema ultimately help us gain empathy and improve the way we see others?
Art is the only weapon we have against the brutality of the modern era. Collaboration, creation and the stimuli that man receives touch his sensitive and very important chords, thus opening a window to the essence of things, that is, to self-improvement, thinking, peace and inspiration. The other day I read this: “earth without art is eh”.
Is there a role you want to play and a project to direct?
There are many roles I would like to play, so I am writing them in order of preference: Mephistopheles, Iago, Shylock, Dr. Frankenstein, Richard III, Judas and Sherlock Holmes. The next play I would like to adapt and direct is “The Soloist”.
What would you say characterizes you?
Simplicity.
What do you dream about your artistic path?
I have a dream now in my fifties, to always participate in good shows and to work with good and talented actors.
In your everyday life, what gives you joy and where do you draw from to be well?
Peace and tranquility of mind give me immense joy and when they exist I feel great gratitude. I draw inspiration from music and good movies.
Is there anything else you’re up to?
At the moment there is another show that I am directing and it is going to premiere on December 14: “Rezes bit the finger” written by Katerina Elositou with two wonderful actors, Natasa Gavalas and Giorgos Dousis. It is an accusatory and at the same time humorous text, which resembles a writing by Mayakovsky.
They play: Giorgos Doussis, Maria Baloutsou, Evi Kolioulis, Christina Dendrinou and Alexis Vidalakis.
Information
Performances: Wednesday & Thursday at 21:00
Theater Fournos Mavromichali 168, Athens
Duration: 80′
Information: Tel.: 210 6460748
Source: www.zougla.gr
