Monoluge is performed in Greek with English subtitltes To commemorate the centenary of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, we are proud to present "Lemonia" (Lemon Tree), a poignant theatrical monologue that explores the hidden depths of the Greek diaspora experience. --- About the Play Inspired by a collection of real audio cassettes recorded by the mother of acclaimed actress Alexandra Ousta, this production is a haunting dive into memory and the masks we wear. Set in the 1970s, the story follows a young woman who moved to Saudi Arabia to follow her husband for work. Instead of traditional letters, she sent tapes back home to her family in Greece, recordings filled with vivid descriptions of happiness and a "perfect" marriage. However, beneath the upbeat narrative lay a different reality: · A Struggle for Truth: A young woman trying to convince her family, and herself, that everything was fine while she was suffering in silence. · The Weight of Isolation: Trapped in a loneliness sanctioned by society and amplified by the era and location. · The "Lemon Tree" Metaphor: Like a lemon tree that begins to wither when no one waters it, the protagonist’s spirit fades under the pressure of maintaining a lie. Now, 14 years after her mother’s passing, the performer revisits these tapes, searching for buried messages and the truth of what really happened during those years in exile. --- Production Credits · Written by: Giannis Kentrotas · Directed by: Alexandra Ousta · Format: Monologue · Duration: 80 minutes (no intermission) "My mother lived through the '70s in Saudi Arabia... Today, I listen to those cassettes again, trying to discover if there is some message buried in time about what actually happened there." Join us for this evocative performance as part of the 100 Years of the Consulate General of Greece in NSW celebrations. It is a raw, beautiful tribute to the unspoken histories of Greek women abroad.