Despoina Sarafeidou, a prominent figure in the Greek theatrical world, continues to captivate audiences in her home country and abroad with her performances in both classical and contemporary repertoires. Since founding her own theatre company, 1+1=1, in 2011, Sarafeidou has produced eight works showcasing her dedication to the arts.

She has received several prestigious awards, including the Leading Female Role Award (Apollon International Theatre Festival, 2011), the Actor of Europe Award (Actor of Europe Theatre Festival, 2012), and the Leading Female Role Award (3d ASTFEST Festival, 2022) for her performance in the one-woman show Kassandra (by Sergio Blanco), which she performed in 30 festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Ahram Online: As a theatrical force in Greece and beyond, can you share with us how your artistic journey began?

Despoina Sarafeidou: I studied philosophy and psychology at the University of Athens and attended the School of Dramatic Arts. My journey has involved working with various directors, actors, and teachers and studying voice, body techniques, acting, and directing.

AO: You performed in Egypt's monodrama festival last month. Any thoughts about this experience?

DS: It was genuinely remarkable performing in Egypt. It was my first time here, and I am thrilled by the country and its people. 

I performed two monodramas, Medea: Red Emptiness and Cassandra. Both are based on ancient Greek myths.

Naturally, Medea: Red Emptiness draws inspiration from the myth of Medea and Euripide's tragedy. The text I performed was written by a contemporary Greek poet who also directed it.

Cassandra is based on the myth of the Princess Cassandra of Troy.

The audience was very warm and welcoming. Even though I performed in Greek, and they could not fully understand the plot of my monodrama, they connected with my emotions and thoughts during the show. Afterwards, many people approached me and expressed their understanding of the experience, which was a powerful form of communication.

AO: Egyptians are quite responsive to Greek culture, I believe. What are your thoughts on the cultural relationship between the two countries?

DS: I firmly believe, and this is supported by history, that Egyptians and Greeks share a long and rich history of interaction. We have many similarities in values and mentality. Greeks perceive Egyptians as friends, as people who are like us. I think it is essential to have these kinds of exchanges.

AO: Many young actors seek to perform outside their home country. You have achieved it. What advice would you give to those aspiring artists? 

DS: I would advise young artists to focus on their craft first. They should study, prepare something they love, and then approach specific festivals to propose their work. For me, it is crucial to travel and absorb elements from other cultures.

In my monodrama, I incorporate Greek traditional elements, techniques, and dances from various countries. By blending these influences, you can develop your own unique interpretation.

AO: What are your upcoming projects?

DS: When I return to Greece, I am excited to start working on a new monodrama. I will also participate in a monodrama festival in Slovakia.