The Greek Theatre in Australia until 1950: A Complex Phenomenon of Greeks and Australians in the Performing Arts

Authors: O. Papazafeiropoulou

Abstract:

The first Greek expatriates created centers of culture in Australia from the beginning of the 19th century, in the large urban centers of the cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth). They created community theater according to their cultural standards, their socio-spiritual progress and development and their relationship with theatrical creation. At the same time, the Greek immigrants of the small towns and especially of New South Wales (NSW), created their own temples of art, erecting theater buildings (theatres and cinemas) many of which are preserved to this day. Hellenism in Australia operated in the field of entertainment, reflecting the currents of the time and the global spread of mechanical developments. The Australian-born young people of paroikia, as well as pioneering expatriates joined the theater and cinematographic events of Australia. They mobilized beyond the narrow confines of the community, gaining recognition and projecting Hellenism to the Australian establishment. G. Paizis (A. Haggard), Dimitrios Ioannidis, Stelios Saligaros, Angela Parsellis, Sofia Pergamalis, Raoul Cardamatis, Adam Tavlaridis, John Lemonne, Rudy Ricco, Artemis Linos, distinguished themselves by writing their names in the history of Australian theater. They served consequently the theatrical process, elevating the sentiment of the emigrants during the early years of its settlement in the Australian Commonwealth until the first post-war period. In general, research on Greek theater in Australia up to 1950 highlights the historical and cultural importance of the Greek diaspora in the development of Australian theatre. It highlights the contribution of Greek immigrants to the establishment of community theaters and their impact on wider Australian society. The study recognizes the pioneering individuals who played a major role in the development and recognition of Greek theater in Australia, contributing to cultural exchange and mutual respect between Greeks and Australians.

Keywords: Greeks, Community, Australia, amateur theatre, professional theatre, actors, variety shows, cinema.

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