The demanding Limassolians
Theatre seemed so difficult in the older days. The shows used to last for 5-6 hours. They usually started early in the afternoon and ended at 11pm. Drama, music and then comedy. The audience really wanted these shows and enjoyed the variety.
The audience paid well for such performances and demanded the best. And he Limassolians audience was even more demanding. It is no coincidence that the Limassol viewers were a 'survey instrument' of the public opinion. If the performance was successful in Limassol then it was certain that the show would be successful in other cities as well.
Performances in the 50s and 60s, were very popular. Aronis, and Horn, Vouyiouklaki and Papamichael, Karezi and Kazakos, Manos Katrakis, Fotopoulos, Konstantaras, Iliopoulos, Hatzichristos and many others.
"The tour of a Greek theatre was not to be left to chance. Prior to the group’s arrival in Cyprus, a minimum number of spectators had to be guaranteed, in order to convince the agent to attempt the tour, without the risk of bankruptcy and dissolution of the group, something that did happen sometimes. A “forerunner” responsible for the group’s financials, used to come to the island in order “to register subscribers” (presale). For about 15 shows, the subscription, (end of the 19th century) was 16 shillings per adult viewer. 70 subscribers were enough to cover the costs of the tour so the green light was given for the theatrical group to arrive in Cyprus.
“Lanition Hotel”
After the end of each performance (1970s) each theatre and distinguished guests used to go at “Psaras” restaurant next to the Municipal Garden Theater, for feasting and dancing. And the members of the theatre groups and bands often were accommodated in schools and especially at Lanition Gymnasium. With an efficient number of beds, the historic school was easily converted into a hotel.
Info sourse: Marfin Laiki Cultural Centre
Photo: Christiana Vanelli archive
