It tells a story filled with integrity, passion and truth, according to its lead performer Maria Mercedes, for whom the role was written. “Melina used her power as an actress to bring focus to the problems in Greece in the 1960s when generals took over, and people were forced into trucks at gunpoint, jailed, tortured, and killed,” says Mercedes.
Mercouri was abroad in New York City performing on Broadway at the time of the 1967 military junta that would last seven years. “As artists we should have carte blanche to express ourselves, and to alert the masses to the huge injustices that are taking place,” she says. “Even though she was stripped of her Greek citizenship, and her movies and music were banned in Greece, Melina just kept on going and she built massive support. After the coup was over, she was able to return to Greece and she decided to give up acting and became the Minister of the Arts.”
Mercedes was born and raised in Australia, after her parents immigrated from Greece. “Sometimes you dedicate performances to people and I think this will be for my mum – who I lost three months ago, and my dad, who has been long gone now, for 16 years,” she says. “We do have a huge multicultural legacy in Australia, but it was still difficult. Growing up I didn’t feel entirely Greek because I wasn’t living in Greece, and I felt quite odd because it was always pointed out to me that I wasn’t white Australian. As a teenager I had roles that were quite specific to me, but once I reached a certain age it was like the script writers had no idea about my generation. They were writing roles as if we had just got off the boat, with thick accents.
“It’s only recently that I’ve embraced my Greek heritage through different roles. I was Maria Callas – the famous Greek opera singer – in Terrence McNally’s Master Class. I did a show called Taxithi, which was written by Helen Yotis Patterson, and included Greek songs and monologues by Greek women from different backgrounds with different reasons for immigrating to Australia. I guess I’m continuing along that line with Melina now. It’s almost like it’s time to pay homage and respect to my cultural background. I’m excited, I’m fearful. I love this woman and I want to do her justice.”
Mercedes started working as an actress and performer at the age of 17 and turns 60 later this year. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself. We only have one crack at life and I think numbers have to be swept away, particularly for women. I’m very proud that I’ve lasted this long, that I’m able to keep moving, growing and learning. As women we have to keep displaying that we are strong, regardless of what field we’re in.
