Nikki Spanou

“I studied ancient and contemporary theater in Greece. I have been involved in theater and the performing arts my whole life. After graduating from my theater studies in 2017, I have been exclusively working at the theater as a performer, director and a light and sound tecnhician for theater productions all around Athens. I am also a writer with two published short stories, two short story contest wins, and a documentary theater play about the crimes and trials of the Manson family murders that was presented over the course of three months at Argo theater in Athens. 

My work focuses mostly around current events with commentary about current issues and the constant struggle of being a human being in a world humanity itself has created. Main goal of my art is to be political without pushing agendas, but by making people think for themselves and interact with and participate at my performances.” (Nikki Spanou)

About the project

“For my research here at Fresh A.I.R. I have decided to focus on the idea of immigration through the lens of people who have migrated to another country not necessarily for economic or survival purposes, but because a new country “spoke” to them. What made them leave their countries of origin? Lack of understanding? Lack of inspiration? Boredom? 
And what did they find once they arrived. Were their idealistic dreams met in this new country? Are they facing the same struggles, or different ones? Or maybe non at all? Did they have to rethink their choices? Did they have to manage their expectations? Did they find the support they needed in their respective communities? And is this new country ever really considered home?

After a series of interviews recorded in the participants’ native tongues, I will be creating a soundscape out of the recordings that is meant to work as a companion piece to a 6-8 hour interactive performance about the struggles of deconstructing and reconstructing ones dreams. Of constatly reevaluating goals and strategies for success, under the constant pressure of a surrounding environment that is not really our own yet. Neon signs that don’t makes sense, passing conversations that mean nothing, endless documents written in what looks like made-up words while surrounded by endless boxes, packing peanuts, plastic and duct tape.” (Nikki Spanou)