Demetria Vassiliou

Gypsy's Honor Demetria Vassiliou

The story of Gypsy's Honor is a tragedy laced with some humor in a small town of Southern Greece the year 1955. The colorful characters weave a tapestry of unforgettable scenes. The main theme is about family honor. Sub-themes examine the oppressive and tyrannical treatment of women. They depict poignant examples of their courage, complaisant behavior, camaraderie, sacrifice, denial, and despair. The majority of the women tried to deal as best as they could with their husband's infidelities. Some forgave them, others accepted their lot in life, but few dared to challenge the system. Other issues are about the battle of the class system, the debate about arranged marriages, nepotism, exploitation of the poor, and corruption in government. Widespread superstition was part of every day life and interpretation of dreams was an exciting preoccupation. The play addresses real issues and evokes powerful emotions of nostalgia for the past. Would Kapetan Kostas sacrifice his only daughter in the name of family honor? Would justice prevail for a despicable crime inflicted on a young girl? The book includes both the English and Greek version of the play.