Publication Link (05 - 12 - 2024): https://www.cuemagazine.gr/2024/12/05/alexandros-raptis-i-kinisi-twn-istoriwn/

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The theatre company Hippo Theatre Group presents the theatrical, interactive performance for children The Emperor’s Dilemma at Stathmos Theatre. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s unique fairytale The Emperor’s Nightingale, the company explores the power of imagination and the intellect of living beings in contrast with the mechanical perfection of artificial intelligence. Alexandros Raptis spoke to us about their new production, how it has influenced him, and the thoughts he shares with young audiences. He also reflected on Hippo Theatre Group’s working process and how it evolves over time, as well as on theatre itself and its endless expressive and interpretive possibilities.

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What sparked the writing of your new play? How did you work on the production?

The play was written and premiered in 2021 as part of the “All of Greece, One Culture” programme. The inspiration came from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Emperor’s Nightingale, which we felt was strikingly relevant to today’s world. The original story explores the relationship between a man and a nightingale, as well as with a mechanical, robotic nightingale. Its references to technology and the human relationship with it touch on issues we are increasingly facing in everyday life.

The explosive development of technology and artificial intelligence is something that concerns us all—especially children. In the performance, we followed the kinemo approach—a form of physical theatre that we have dedicated ourselves to in recent years. Kinemo is based on energy and rhythm, elements that bring out the dynamic of each performance and enhance meaningful communication with our audience.

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What have you personally gained from this work so far?

The benefit is invaluable. Primarily, it has to do with my spiritual and psychological growth as a person. With each new performance, I aim for us to come as close as possible to the children and to spark growth both in them and in ourselves. Personally, I never settle into comfort zones—I’m always searching for what concerns children in their daily lives, with the ultimate goal of offering them both entertainment and meaningful connection.

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How has your group’s working method evolved over time?

Over time, we constantly improve on a scenic level and try to expand our knowledge across different areas of theatre. In this particular production, for example, we focused on the actor’s movement while wearing a mask. Fortunately, theatre is inexhaustible, and that’s why we remain students forever!

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How can we attract young audiences? How do you create the viewer of the future?

There’s no secret formula. All that’s needed is to stay close to young people and listen to their needs. It takes a clear mind, insight, and the willingness to offer a piece of ourselves in the creative process—what we call “soul.” With those elements, we can create something authentic and find a way to truly captivate children.

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The viewer of the future can only become ideal if, from a young age, we treat them with respect and admire their intellect and human value. That’s why children’s performances are incredibly important and should never be underestimated—neither by creators nor by audiences.

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Can artificial intelligence replace a living being? If not, why?

The day will come—and I don’t think it’s far off—when AI will evolve so much that it will closely resemble the human element. This idea has inspired many forms of art and is something that deeply concerns me as well. You can see this in other works we’ve created as a group, for both adults and children, such as The City of Lost Robots and Mellonia.

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I don’t know if a robot will ever come to life, meaning to feel emotions and gain a soul—that seems inconceivable with today’s knowledge—but you never know. What’s certain is that all beings, regardless of their nature, need respect and freedom, and it is our responsibility to offer those to them.

 

 

What gives you strength and joy in daily life?

A warm “good morning,” a ray of sunlight sneaking through a crack in the morning, the spontaneous laughter of a passerby, a hug, a beautiful melody. My loved ones, my partner, my friends, my family.

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