Nia Vardalos To Perform Greek Version Of Tiny Beautiful Things In Athens
My Big Fat Greek Wedding star takes on new challenge in her ancestral homeland at Pallas theater.
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Acclaimed actress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos is embracing a new theatrical challenge in her ancestral homeland, taking her adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s beloved book “Tiny Beautiful Things” to the stage in Athens, Greece – and performing entirely in Greek.
The “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” creator shared her mixed emotions about the venture on Instagram, posting a photo of herself in rehearsals at the historic Pallas theater where the production will open next month.
“Rehearsing Tiny Beautiful Things in Greek at the esteemed Pallas theater in Athens, Greece is terrifying and exhilarating and wonderful and challenging and exciting,” Vardalos wrote in her caption, capturing the complex range of emotions that come with performing in a second language.
A Major Career Milestone
This marks a significant milestone for the Greek-Canadian actress, who has often incorporated her Greek heritage into her work but will now be performing entirely in the Greek language for the first time in her career.
In a previous post announcing her arrival in Athens, Vardalos admitted: “I am excited and terrified to perform in Greek onstage for the first time. But that little feeling of working outside one’s comfort zone is exactly what we are supposed to do.”
The limited engagement at the Pallas theater will begin on May 16, with tickets already available through the theater’s website and Vardalos’ Instagram bio.
About The Production
For those unfamiliar with the material, Vardalos has been clear about what audiences can expect: “It’s an uplifting, emotional and often humorous play with four Greek actors on stage discussing their stories of love, grief and gratitude,” she explained in an earlier promotional post.
Vardalos adapted “Tiny Beautiful Things” for the stage from Strayed’s collection of advice columns. The play has previously been performed in English, including a successful run at The Public Theater in New York City, but this marks its Greek-language debut.
In the original English production, Vardalos also starred as the central character, Sugar, an anonymous online advice columnist who draws from her personal experiences to provide heartfelt guidance to those seeking help.
Embracing Greek Culture
Vardalos has been documenting her time in Greece across her social media, sharing everything from Easter celebrations to encounters with local cats. She recently posted videos of the traditional Greek Easter processions, writing: “Walking the streets of Athens with the epitafio makes my heart swell. Καλή Ανάσταση everyone. With love, from Greece.”
The actress has clearly been immersing herself in Greek culture ahead of her theatrical debut in the language, embracing both the challenging work of rehearsals and the pleasure of being in Greece during the important Easter holiday season.
From Film Star To Stage Performer
While Vardalos is best known for creating and starring in the international hit film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002) and its sequels, she has maintained a diverse career that includes stage work, writing, and directing.
Born to Greek Canadian parents in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Vardalos has often drawn on her Greek heritage for creative inspiration. Her breakthrough came when Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson saw her one-woman show and decided to produce the film version of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” which became one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time.
In 2023, she returned to her signature role as Toula Portokalos in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” which she also directed. The film was partially shot in Greece, further strengthening her connection to her ancestral homeland.
Balancing Work And Pleasure
Between rehearsals for the play, Vardalos has been sharing glimpses of her time in Athens. In one recent post, she showcased behind-the-scenes preparations with her glam team, writing: “Ever wonder how actors get ready to be on camera? The magic wands of glam teams!”
She’s also revealed her appreciation for Greek products, posting about Korres skincare with the simple caption: “I love it when a product doesn’t lie.”
The production of “Tiny Beautiful Things” (or “μικρά όμορφα πράγματα” in Greek) represents a beautiful fusion of Vardalos’ American career and Greek heritage, bringing her full circle to perform in the language of her ancestors while sharing a story about human connection, vulnerability, and healing.
Fans interested in attending the show can find ticket information through Vardalos’ Instagram bio or the Pallas theater website. The limited engagement begins May 16 in Athens.
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