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<p>This group was founded in 1949 by Chrysostomos Mantouridis (Χρυσόστομος Μαντουρίδης), a Greek-Cypriot born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1915. Having been deeply involved in the vibrant artistic circles of the Greek community in Egypt, where he engaged with cultural figures such as the renowned poet Konstantinos Kavafis, Mantouridis migrated to Australia in 1949. Driven by a passion for theatre and a desire to preserve and promote Greek culture abroad, he established a community-based theatre group in Sydney under the name <strong><em>Theatre Group of Greeks in Sydney (Θεατρικός Όμιλος Ελλήνων του Σύδνευ).</em></strong> This group is believed to be the oldest Greek community theatre group in Australia, playing a pivotal role in the cultural life of the Greek diaspora.</p>
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<p>From its inception, the group served as a vital cultural bridge between newly arrived Greek migrants and the established Greek-Australian community, functioning primarily as a community-oriented gathering point. Early activities, such as play readings and rehearsals, were held in private homes and garages, while large theatrical venues were occasionally used for single-performance productions. The initial phase, spanning from 1950 to 1962, was characterized by a spirit of exploration and experimentation, as described by C. Mantouridis. In 1962, the group adopted a more serious and mature direction, culminating in a name change to the <em><strong>Hellenic Theatrical Group</strong></em> <strong><em>(Συγκρότημα Ελλήνων Καλλιτεχνών - ΣΕΚ)</em></strong>. This marked the beginning of a more prolific period from 1963 to 1979, distinguished by an impressive repertoire of performances, most notably the world premiere of Nikos Kazantzakis’s previously "unstageable" play <em>Christopher Columbus</em> in 1972.</p>
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<p>Since the death of its founder in 1980, the Hellenic Theatrical Group fulfilling his wishes of having a permanent rehearsal space has been located and been operating in a number of venues around the greater Marrickville area, with a member Management Committee responsible for the group’s artistic direction. A number of people have acted as Chair of the Management Committee over the years but two, in particular, deserve a special mention: the late Angelo Adam, one of Mantouridis’ closest mentees and the longest serving member, deserving his title of Honorary President; and our last Chair, Kon Strafiotis, who led the group to seek new and innovative forms of expression, away from “theatrical clichés”, true to the courageous and indomitable spirit of the group’s founder.</p>
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<p>Over the years the group evolved and eventually became a not-for-profit incorporated association in 1993, a registered charity, and changed its name to Hellenic Theatre Incorporated, a name under which it is operating and is known today.</p>
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<p>Hellenic Theatre Inc. now comprises of first and second-generation Greek-Australians who promote and maintain Greek heritage, culture and language in the diaspora, and cultural exchange between the Greek and other ethnic communities of Australia. It continues to stage plays, bilingual, or either in Greek or English, from a worldwide repertoire, varying from ancient Greek drama and comedy to locally written plays.</p>
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<p>Hellenic Theatre Inc. has faithfully served local theatre and the arts in general and has been involved in staging theatre productions, musical events, lectures as well as various painting and photography exhibitions. It boasts more than 100 productions over the years from the time it was founded in 1949 and continues to honour the legacy of its founder.</p>
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<p><strong><em>“The theatre infects the audience with its noble ecstasy.”</em></strong></p>
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<p><em><strong>“Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.”</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong><em>Konstantin Stanislavski</em></strong></p>
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