The Lady of Ro: The story of one of Greece’s Icons comes to Perth

'The Lady of Ro' is inspired by the story of one of the most famous Greek women in history. The show was a smash hit in Greece and the Greek community of Perth invited the production to do its first international show in Australia. Writer Gianni Skaragas, actress Fotini Baxevani and the Consul of Greece in Perth Antonis Koliadis spoke to SBS Greek about the production and how it came in Australia.

Lady of Ro Source: Supplied

The play is inspired by the story of Despina Achladioti, the Greek widow known as the Lady of Ro, named after the deserted island close to Kastellorizo, where she took refuge during two world wars.

Achladioti became famous for raising the Greek flag every day, from the time she arrived on the island until her death on May 13, 1982 at the age of 92.

The Lady of Ro is played by acclaimed actress Fotini Baxevani. The story is written by Gianni Skaragas and directed by Katerina Berdeka.

Lady of Ro Source: Supplied

The play found its way to Australia when Ourania Michael, niece of former Governor of Western Australia, Ken Michael, saw the show in Kastellorizo. She was impressed by it, to the point she, along with her uncle, approached the Consul of Greece in Perth, Antonis Koliadis, to discuss the prospect of bringing the play to Perth. The play has a special place to the hearts of Greeks in Perth, as a lot of them hail from Kastellorizo. The community was eager to bring the show to Perth and several prominent members were happy to help cover the financial cost of the endeavour.

The Lady of Ro will be on Subiaco Arts Centre in Perth on June 1^st.

Press Play to hear the full interview with Gianni Skaragas, Fotini Baxevani and the Consul of Greece in Perth Antonis Koliadis, in Greek.   

Lady of Ro Source: Supplied