Nia Vardalos discusses adapting her popular play for a performance in Athens, marking her first time acting in Greek.
Rockin' with Nia Vardalos in Athens:
Greek it up with the My Big Fat Greek Wedding star!
Friends, prepare to get our Greek on as Nia Vardalos, the hilarious and heartfelt star behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding, takes the stage in beautiful Athens with her hit play Tiny Beautiful Things. And, she's bringing the φαέθός, baby!
First time ever, Nia will be performing in Greek, and we're all going to be in stitches with laughter and warmth as she shares her beautifully written stories of love, life, and fellowship.
We had the incredible opportunity to chat with Nia and hear firsthand about her excitement for Greece, the emotional journey behind Tiny Beautiful Things, and the long journey to rediscovering her own heritage.
So, Nia, what drew you to theatre, especially with your success in cinema?
Nia: Growing up in Winnipeg, my family always took me to the opera, ballet, and theatre, so I knew early on that performing was my passion. Before Second City in Chicago led me to TV and film, I did tons of theatre. Between films, I always come back to the stage.
What was the attraction to Tiny Beautiful Things?
Nia: When Thomas Kail, the director, offered me a Broadway show years ago but I couldn't because of my daughter in kindergarten, he later gave me Cheryl Strayed's book and said, "I think this is a play." Reading it opened old wounds but also new possibilities. I'd never adapted a book or played a role like this, and it was daunting and terrifying. That usually means I'm in the right place creatively!
Bringing it to Greece, did you have to adapt the play at all in terms of language and context?
Nia: I gave Spiros, the translator, free reign with the material, because I believe stories are meant to be free. He's a lyricist, so he truly made our beautiful Greek language come alive. For example, when Cheryl Strayed's mother said her last word was "love," we needed an active verb for the translation. And that discussion resulted in something truly beautiful.
How did the translation process go? Did you face any challenges in bringing your words to life in Greek?
Nia: There were moments when I'd wake up in a cold sweat, thinking, "What am I doing?" But my partner and co-director pushed me to embrace this opportunity and push myself to perform in Greek. We now only speak Greek at home, which has been both terrifying and rewarding.
What's it like to come home to Greece with this production?
Nia: It's a heady experience. My Greek roots are rich and ever-present in my thoughts. Every single bit of Athenian history is in our genes, in our DNA. Looking out at a fully Greek audience is going to be incredible. I may need a moment to regain composure, but I'm ready to share the love of Greek stories with all of you.
How has this experience impacted your relationship with Greece?
Nia: Discovering the language, history, and culture have all brought me closer to my heritage. Greece has taught me so much about myself, my family, and our shared human experiences. This performance is me giving back, sharing my love for this amazing country and its people.
Lastly, what's next for you in the world of theatre and cinema?
Nia: Right now, I can't think beyond Tiny Beautiful Things in Athens. But if any producers or bands are reading this and want to collaborate on a musical project in Greece, I am ALL IN! Let's make some magic together!
Want to experience Nia's performance in Tiny Beautiful Things? Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come see her in the Pallas Theatre in Athens from May 16th. Στω ίδιο χώρο! (See you there!)
Culture Corner:
- Check out some awesome Greek films like Suntan and movies featuring our beloved Nia Vardalos, such as My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.
- If you're keen on more Greek culture, be sure to introduce yourself to Anna Vissi, a pop legend who knows how to bring the ζητώματα (fire).
- Sing it out, louder, because I can't hear you! What's your favorite Greek word? Mine's φαέθός – sunshine!
- Can't wait for Greek coffee or a freddo espresso? Here's a pro tip: say φραπέ (frappè) or φρέτσο εσπρέσκο (freddo espresso) and grab that caffeine boost!
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/apr/28/my-big-fat-greek-wedding-star-nia-vardalos-to-performance-in-athens-greek-for-the-first-time[2] https://www.ekathimerini.com/246804/article/culture/theater/nia-vardalos-to-bring-her-play-tiny-beautiful-things-to-athens[3] https://www.oscars.org/news/greek-director-panos-koutras-best-foreign-language-film[4] https://www.thedailybeast.com/nia-vardalos-my-big-fat-greek-wedding-star-the-reeckoning
- Nia Vardalos, known for her success in 'home-and-garden' and 'entertainment' with My Big Fat Greek Wedding, is now bringing her play Tiny Beautiful Things to Athens, Greece.
- In an exclusive interview, Nia shared that she was initially drawn to theatre and eventually cinema, having grown up with a passion for the arts, and that the emotional journey behind Tiny Beautiful Things led her to rediscover her own Greek heritage.
- To perform the play in Greece, Nia's words were translated into Greek, with Spiros, a lyricist, breathing life into the Greek language, creating beautiful conversations that echoed the spirit of the original play.
