This week, two thrilling productions from abroad arrive in Nicosia, held within the framework of the 5th Nicosia International Festival. An exhibition by the European Parliament titled Art in Democracy opens in downtown Nicosia lasting through the winter months while a production by the Onassis Stegi questions why today’s society does not have children, a documentary theatre performance titled Babybird Babybird.
First off, is the art exhibition which runs until January 31 at the old Nicosia Town Hall. In Art in Democracy, democratic values are presented through the eyes of contemporary European artists. The exhibition has been presented in Brussels and Strasbourg before a part of that exhibition opened in Nicosia including a selection of works from the European Parliament Contemporary Art Collection. Founded in 1980 by the institution’s first directly elected president, Simone Veil, the Art Collection strives to embody the values and aspirations of the European Union.
The travelling exhibition explores various components of democracy and tries to unravel why these values are so important to our society. The artists featured have taken clear positions in defence of democracy through their works. They help create civic and political awareness of the need to defend democratic freedom and remind us that European citizens also have a role to play in defending democracy.
Then, on November 21, another travelling production arrives in Nicosia. Onassis Stegi from Greece asks Why do we (not) have children? through its documentary theatre performance called Babybird Babybird. Using interviews, statistics, personal testimonies, scientific studies, confidential off the record comments and humour prospective parents, a new mother, a midwife, a demographer, a sociologist, a neuroscientist and an anti-birth activist youtuber take a stand on a critical question and face the relationship between love life and reproductive capacity.
Director Dimitris Babilis and four experts on the subject ask themselves: What do the numbers show? Have people stopped having sex? Are more and more people not having offspring by choice? And if we do have a population deficit, why are those who opt for a better life being persecuted?
The creative team at Aparamilon explores the concepts and issues of underpopulation, overpopulation, motherhood as a conscious personal choice, abortion, prenatal testing, state welfare policies, sperm banks and dating apps. The title of the performance refers to Ken Loach’s film Ladybird Ladybird (1994), about a single mother’s conflict with social services regarding the care and custody of her children.
Plenty more is coming up as part of the festival’s winter agenda including a piano concerto with Elena Xydia on Saturday, a performance by Greek singer Eleonora Zougenelli and a remarkable theatre performance from abroad.
Art in Democracy
Art exhibition organized by the European Parliament. November 19 2024 – December 15 and January 8 – 31. Monday-Saturday: 2pm-8pm. Old Nicosia Town Hall, Nicosia. https://art-collection.europarl.europa.eu/el/exhibitions/art-in-democracy/
Babybird Babybird
Documentary theatre by Onassis Stage. November 21. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. In Greek. www.soldoutticketbox.com
