Comedian,, author and speaker Costa Carastavrakis will be live on stage at the Theatre on the Square, Sandton from Wednesday, 12 July to Sunday 16 July 2023 for six shows titled ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’. Written and performed by Costa Carastavrakis and directed by Renos Spanoudes, ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’ is a stand-up South African Greek comedy feast about a Greek man’s odyssey to finding his identity.
Bjorn Salsone is joined in studio by Costa Carastavrakis, and we find out more about his life, experiences, drugs, addiction, comedy and the world of entrepreneurship.
Weekday shows are at 7:30pm with Saturday performances at 5pm and 8pm and the Sunday matinee at 3pm. Book now at Computicket www.computicket.com, dial 0861 915 800 or visit your nearest Money Market counter at Shoprite Checkers stores nationwide. Owing to adult themes, patrons are advised the show carries a “NSFY” warning i.e. not safe for ‘γιαγιά’ (grandmother) nor is the show recommended for persons under 16 years.
Written last year, ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki’ is a seventy minute show takes the audience on a journey on what it’s like to be Costa, living in this world. From hilarious gags about his upbringing to his dating escapades, Costa gets vulnerable not only showing the flaws in himself but in his community and South Africa. Such honesty, sharp wit and cheekiness means no one is safe and many parallels can be drawn between all communities in this country and this Greek condition that Costa highlights.
Catch Costa’s latest show – Costa’s journey has been an interesting, colourful and eventful one. Living as a gay South African Greek man he faced prejudice in many forms and from a young age he learned to hide who he really was. Sadly, living in denial and failing to accept himself and his unique place in society nearly killed him. He developed coping mechanisms that included substance abuse which he wrote about in his book published in 2019, I Am Costa: From Meth To Marathons.
True to his Greek spirit Costa wanted to take all the lessons in his life and healings and turn it into something creative and full of light. That is where his comedy career was born. The very first time he appeared on stage was at the New York Gotham Comedy Club in 2014 where he trained under Stephen Rosenfeld of the American Comedy institute. Since then he has performed short appearances all over Johannesburg and even a stint in Malaysia last year.
Audiences are raving! Facebook fan Robert Appelbaum says “I have not laughed so much in ages,” while Tony Zourides commented, “It hit me in the gut and the heart in the funniest way possible. Bravo”. After two sold out performances of ‘Desperately Seeking Souvlaki” in Johannesburg, and recent sold out performances in Cape Town, Costa is embarking on a national tour of the show starting in Johannesburg in July with dates for Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Bloemfontein to be announced. Whether you’re of Greek origin or if you’re wanting to enjoy a fun night out, don’t miss Desperately Seeking Souvlaki at the Theatre on the Square this July. Book now at Computicket or call Theatre on the Square 011 883 9606.
