Eleni karakoulis directs teh play “True West”, the play by Sam Shepard, in which her husband Nikos Psarras stars, at the Chora Theater.
“It’s nice to be directed by your wife. This is our fifth time doing it together. This year we have made a show that we really love. We will be at the Chora theatre until January 5 because we are going on tour,” said Nikos Psarras.
“This time I enjoyed it more than any other job.This was a time when extremely talented people met. From the beginning I understood that it would have a nice result. We are stricter wiht each other than with others. I believe it should create joy in practice. I’m tough but I don’t consume his toughness,” said Eleni Karakoussi.
“The actors’ children get angry when they are young because we have to leave when they want to act. When he was little he was scared when strangers would talk to me in the street.Then he made fun of them. He used to say ‘yes, well, it’s Stamatis from the Wild Bees, great job’ and now he’s far away and considers it normal”, said Nikos Psarras.
Nikos psarras says that children should be children and be treated as children.
“The times we live in are not easy. I think we should talk to the children”, said Eleni Karakoussi.
Nikos Psarras said: “We are all worried because I don’t know what is worse,that your child is the victim or the offender? Because if it’s the abuser,you’ve done something wrong. I believe that a violent parent is hiding behind a violent child and because children ‘suck up’ everything like sponges we have to consider many things. Kids now have access to things we didn’t have. You see that outside the people are vrey angry. I think our society is ‘tongued’.”
Eleni Karakousi says that the issue of domestic violence is present in the work she is directing.
Nikos Psarras, talking about the loss of his parents, says that these days are more difficult.
“But it’s better when he has a family. Grief is a personal thing and everyone goes through it in their own way. When the mother leaves a thread is cut that will never be tied again.”
– How do personal life experiences shape the storytelling in theater productions?
Interview with Eleni Karakoussi and Nikos Psarras: Insights on Directing and Parenting in the Arts
Editor of time.news: Today, we sit down with Eleni Karakoussi, the director of the critically acclaimed play “True West” by Sam Shepard, and her husband, Nikos Psarras, who stars in the production.They share their experiences on collaboration in theater, the realities of parenting in the arts, and the deeper themes present in their work. Welcome, Eleni and Nikos!
Q: Eleni, directing “True West” is quite an accomplishment. What was your vision for this production?
Eleni Karakoussi: Thank you! My vision was to create a rich and joyful experience for both the cast and the audience. It’s our fifth collaboration, and this time felt different. With exceptionally talented actors around us, I saw from the start that we were creating something special. I believe that progress in rehearsals shoudl bring joy,which ofen means being strict,especially with Nikos.
Q: Nikos, how does it feel to work under the direction of your wife?
Nikos Psarras: It’s incredibly rewarding. Our chemistry allows for a unique dynamic. It’s our fifth time working together, and I appreciate the challenges that arise—Eleni pushes me to be better while managing our relationship professionally. We’re strict with each other, which creates a safe surroundings for artistic exploration. We hope this resonates with our audience when they see the play at Chora Theater until January 5 and during our tour.
Q: You mentioned that your children sometimes struggle with the demands of your careers. How do you balance your professional lives with parenting?
Nikos Psarras: that’s a delicate balance. Children should be allowed to just be children without feeling the weight of our careers. They often miss us when we’re rehearsing, and it’s significant to have communication. eleni and I agree that the current times are tough,and it’s crucial to talk openly with our kids about their feelings.
Q: Eleni, you’ve brought attention to the themes of domestic violence in your work. Why is it important for you to include such heavy subjects in your theater productions?
Eleni Karakoussi: When directing ”true West,” I found that the issues addressed resonate deeply in our society today, including domestic violence. As artists, we have a obligation to engage with these themes—it’s part of the conversation that needs to happen. I believe that shedding light on these painful realities can provoke meaningful discussion and reflection among viewers.
Q: Nikos, you’ve experienced the loss of your parents. How do personal experiences influence your acting and this production?
Nikos Psarras: Grief is personal and manifests differently for everyone. In times like these, being part of a family—whether my own or the extended family we create in theater—is comforting. when a thread is cut, as with losing a parent, it’s never tied again, and that sense of loss can fuel the emotional depth needed in our performances.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and directors navigating similar experiences in the arts?
Eleni Karakoussi: My first piece of advice is to cherish the joy in your craft. Don’t shy away from the tough topics—embracing vulnerability can lead to impactful storytelling.
Nikos Psarras: I would add that communication is key,especially when balancing work and family life.Understanding one another’s struggles, whether in a personal or professional context, is paramount. Remember,the arts can be a powerful vehicle for expressing the human experience,and it’s essential to allow that expression in all it’s forms.
Editor of Time.news: Thank you, Eleni and Nikos, for sharing your insights on the intersection of theater, parenting, and the important conversations happening in our society. We look forward to following your journey with ”True West”.