CLOUDBURST
by Vasilis Vilaras

CLOUDBURST

by Vasilis Vilaras

Conceived and directed by Vasilis Vilaras

From 21 March 2024

The characters of Cloudburst visit the gay Greece of the period following the restoration of democracy and convey the desires, thoughts and anxieties of LGBTQI+ people of that period, as they expressed them themselves through letters to the revolutionary magazine Amfi, the first public forum in Greece devoted to the queer experience.

Personal testimonies from the past are mixed with the corresponding experiences of the individuals on stage, becoming the material of confessions and disclosures, while unapologetically demanding the right to visibility. Here, space can be given to the stories of people who have immeasurable love within them, but in all kinds of ways are sealed in to loneliness. The testimonies of those who suffer from the dismissive behaviour of parents and relatives, from bullying and all kinds of violence.

Stories of outrageous coming-out experiences; of moments of longing, fun and stolen pleasure; of the gay culture fermented in the cinemas around Omonia Square; and of the deep feeling of relief because "there are other people like me out there". Stories of an entire generation wiped out by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and societal and state indifference.

Following Plague and Earthquake, director and actor Vasilis Vilaras delivers the final part of a trilogy that celebrates life and identity outside the heteronormative and the patriarchy, recognising the dangers that this non-conformity involves even today.

Production team
Concept/Writing & adaptation/Direction: Vasilis Vilaras
Archival research/Associate dramaturg: Lemonia Gianniri
Set design: Demos Klimenof
Costume design: Chrysanthos Christodoulou
Music: Ecati
Song lyrics: Vassilis Vilaras
Lyrics for «Cloudburst»: Dolly Vara
Movement: Efstratios Giannikos
Lighting design: Vasia Attarian
Artistic associate: Thalia Griva
Dramaturg: Aspasia-Maria Alexiou
Directing assistant: Sia Reppa

Cast (in alphabetical order):
Dolly Vara, Vasilis Vilaras, Kristof, Andreas Lazarakos, Niko Rupllem

The production features portraits by the artist Thanasis Megkos.

DURATION
110' without break

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

The production is not recommended for under-18s.