onoma: , by Maria Papachristodoulou 

“onoma:”,meaning “name:” in Greek, is a performance that takes the audience on a journey through shifting spaces of identity, challenging the performer physically and emotionally: a Maria among Marias, constantly trying to reclaim her name.

Her name is Maria. She was named after her grandmother. She didn’t have a choice, so she took it on. What is it like being a Maria?

A name can be considered an intimate space where identity exists. Using this idea as a starting point, the performance investigates and unfolds the identities within this mundane yet symbolic name. The name of the performer, but also the name of millions. Maria is an exposed personal space.

This solo physical performance incorporates elements of installation, performance art and physical theatre to explore the name “Maria” and the multiple identities, stereotypes, and stories it carries, shaped by the performer’s life, society, pop culture, and religion.

Her name is Maria. They don’t know who she is. But they sing her name, eat her as a cookie, and give her a kiss. They all know Maria, but they actually don’t. Who is she, anyway?