Sofia Manou on skai.gr: Our Greece is currently fighting big battles

Interview with Marina Zioziou

Sophia Manou she is a special artist. Priceless all these years, but her works always stand out. She “counts” many great collaborations to her credit, but always “speaks” through her work. She is authentic and that is why her audience has followed her faithfully all these years.

This time the great performer will give her all – as always – to the musical theater show dedicated to the legendary “singer of victory”, Sofia Vembo. On the occasion of this particular performance, Mrs. Manou spoke exclusively to skai.gr. Enjoy her…

• Why are Sofia Vembo’s songs relevant to us in 2024? What makes it current and relevant?

Our Greece is currently fighting big battles and is being fought from many sides. I think there is a great connection between people today and the Greeks of the 1940s. What we must pay particular attention to is how to deal with any crisis. I have lived with people of several nationalities due to my upbringing abroad. The boyhood and heroism of the Greeks throughout time is something admirable and extremely hard to find. I deeply believe in the Greeks. In times of crisis they unite and face every difficulty with vigor.

The Greeks of the 1940s straightened their stature and faced the war as if it were a celebration, so we should be enlightened by their attitude towards everything that scares us. These people are not too far from us young Greeks – since we are talking about our relatives, our grandparents. Sophia’s songs and voice reflect the mindset and behavior of a proud people who, no matter what surrounds them, no matter how painful it is, they must face it with a smile on their face. And really, in this whole situation we’re all going through, we need to draw strength from each other.

• What prompted you to sing Vembo’s songs?

The album “The Voice that defeated Fascism” of 2020 was the inspiration of a very enlightened person whom I love, admire and respect deeply. And despite the toughness I’ve learned to work with over the years, there are moments in my career where things just flow by themselves. In such moments I avoid intervening or even resisting. The same happened in the case of the show that goes up on Monday at the Bretania theater. A Greek child growing up abroad cannot help but feel related to someone who loved this beautiful homeland so much. And, perhaps, this shared love for everything Greek connects us deeply with Vembo. Our people must regain their self-esteem and accept the vast heritage they hold in their hands.

• If you could do a duet with her, which song would you choose?

It would be great if we had a person like Vembo in the song today. Her punch and boldness could admirably tackle even the darkest aspects of our profession. We wouldn’t pick any old song. Right now, there’s a big increase in songwriting and songwriting in our space, and that’s something that’s been going on for several years. You see, life’s difficulties are what fuel thought and inspiration. It is therefore of great interest to record new material, which will give wings to the world and help it to pass through this dark period for our country with strength and optimism. Well, if the late Sophia Vembo were alive, this is what I would choose for us.

• What are your next plans?

After the completion of the album’s recordings and its release, we had scheduled some concerts in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities in Greece. Unfortunately, the health crisis in the country overturned our plans then, so we had to postpone our concerts. So, after four years, the time has come to hear the songs of the legendary Greek woman live on stage.
On October 28th we start the musical theater show “Sofia Vembo a life of Greece” at the Bretania theater. There is great excitement. The very talented and remarkable actress, Theofania Papathoma, embodies Sophia Vembo on stage. At the same time, we have the happiness of the contribution of the nephew of Sofia Vembo and Mimi Traiforos, Vassilis Traiforos, from whose book turbulent moments from the life of Vembo were drawn. The direction of the orchestra as well as the orchestration is under the supervision of the internationally renowned piano soloist Dr. Tatiana Papageorgiou. Finally, the writing of the work as well as the direction is signed by the great director Dimitris Adamis. The show also features three young and promising actors: Angelos Kyriakopoulos, Penelope Chalkia and Konstantinos Mitrakas.

• Will you be doing a similar tribute to an artist or creator you love again?

Greek music is great and it certainly doesn’t take a lifetime to discover all its hidden treasures. It is an honor for a singer to have a dedicated record, especially when it concerns people who make up this important asset called “Greek song”. Of course, I must admit that there is a particular difficulty in this kind of productions, because one is asked to prepare oneself sufficiently in order to be in contact with the deceased artist, especially when they are separated by years, seasons and events. Nevertheless, it is a process that creates a rapid evolution in both our interpretation and the way we perceive our art. Of course I would participate in a corresponding tribute, after all the feeling of being unsatisfied is the first condition for progress.

The show draws material from the book of Mimi Traiforo’s nephew, Vassilis Traiforo, “Children of Greece…”based on the author’s memoirs from his late uncle and Sophia Vembo, who appears on stage in the role of narrator. The songs are performed live by Sofia Manou, staged and directed by Dimitris Adamiswith Theofania Papathoma in the title role of Vembo. The show entitled “Sofia Vembo – A Life in Greece” will be presented from Monday, October 28 and for a limited number of performances at the Bretagne theatre.