Flying for Peace

"Extend your hands to each other, my brothers and sisters! That is Peace!"
Yiannis Ritsos

Summary

“Sparky”, “Windy” and “Chryssa”, childrens’ beloved characters from our latest play “World’s Greatest Treasure”,enter an incredible adventure together.

Everything begins when the evil witch “Strife” decides to create “The Great Empire of Violence”. Her plan is under way as soon as she manages to put Peace away in a dark prison. Elementary schools are the first stop in her malicious quest.

Our three leading characters end up right in the middle of her plotting: Sparky is trying to smoothly get aquainted in his new school. Windy, doesn`t like him, and Chryssa is afraid to stand by Sparky and speak up.

The witch manipulates them into a circle of violence and throws them into prison. A small robot, “Know-It-All” sets them free and shows them the way to spoil the witch’s plans. But they need the three magic keys that the witch keeps well guarded: the keys to Unity, Kindness and Non Violence.

The three children are determined to find the keys as they venture to the four corners of the earth in search of them. During their adventure they enter imaginary worlds. They fly on a dragon`s back, a magic carpet and upon strong winds, with only one aim in mind: to set Peace free and get her back to earth.

Director’s note

With immense respect for the psyche of young children, we created a modern fairy-tale like play, which offers the audience a multidimensional drama experience.

Using digital technology, projection and animation to offer a constant alternation of images, the audience remains hooked into the action for the duration of the entire production.

Ornate handmade face masks, impressive costumes, original music and dance create a stunning setting for the cast of talented actors; an ensemble that knows how to tune in with children`s energy and win them over right from the start.

We are certain that this is yet another play of Lotinos Ilios that will excite not just the children but their parents, guardians and teachers as well.

Writers’ note

“Lotinos Ilios” spans ten years in Pedagogical Theatre for Children with a constant and continuous focus on promoting global humanitarian values and ethics. The phenomenon of school violence and bullying struck a chord with us, as it has been of increasing concern in the last deacade.

We created the theater play “Flying for Peace”, with the aim of helping children recognize violence and understand why it exists. The play teaches children how to avoid and discourage violence and not select it as a means of interaction.

We tried to depict an understanding of all characters involved in the circle of violence (the Victim, the Offender and the Observer) and to suggest solutions.

The challenge for us was to communicate with children without actually promoting and showing images of violence, as we believe that this is not beneficial element of children`s theater.

We thus used the issue of violence as a starting point from which to promote the benefits of Unity, Harmonious Living, Acceptance of Diversity, and Empathy. All of these values inspire children to effortlessly make the right choice: Peace.

Associates and Cast

Script writing: Anna Papamarkou – Leonidas Pseltouras
Direction: Anna Papamarkou
Original music composition: Christos Stamatiou
Music: Evdaimon Amrotos
Costumes: Dominique Delkos
Set designer/ Stylist: Apollonia Theoharis
Face Masks: Anna Papamarkou
Animation: Leonidas Pseltouras
Actors: Maria Logotheri, Christina Papavasileiou, Anna Papamarkou, Maria- Elissavet Pigou

The song “Sacred Flame” featuring in the play is composed by Vassilis Moustos and written by Anna Maria Vakoula.