The uneasy world faced by today’s teens

Theatre Apothikes Thoc continues to present a play that talks directly to young people, bringing to the surface their anxieties, difficulties and dreams. Ask Me When I Wake Up was commissioned by Thoc from the acclaimed Cypriot playwright Charalampos Giannou and was developed through a creative partnership between the director, the artistic supervisors, and a group of teenagers. From early December it has been welcoming audiences and will continue to do so until February 12.

In Ask Me When I Wake Up, Alexia Papalazarou directs a cast of talented young actors with sensitivity and an eye to realism, telling a fast-paced, intense and emotional story about the uneasy world faced by today’s teens.

The play begins with friends and parents celebrating Ourania’s 15th birthday. But for her, there is nothing to celebrate. While she disengages in an attempt to deal with her problem, everyone around her is trying to find out what has happened.

At the centre of the story is Ourania, who is surrounded by a group of adults and young people: two parents who worry about her; a brother who is indifferent, B, who struggles to unravel the mystery of her best friend, a vain boy, and a teen chorus that watches her and comments on her actions. The play deals with themes such as friendship, love, sexuality, the search for one’s true self, secrets and truths.

With shows every weekend, and for schools from Tuesday to Friday, the production is accompanied by an educational guide and exhibition. Two performances in January will include overtitles, that of Saturday 14 in Greek and Saturday 21 in English and Turkish.

Ask Me When I Wake Up

Play directed by Alexia Papalazarou. Part of the ‘Youth on a desert island’ programme. Until February 12. Theatre Apothikes Thoc, Nicosia. 8.30pm and 6pm on Sundays. In Greek. Tel: 22-864330