Stella, Sleep – The Myth of the "Holy" Greek Family

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Abstract

The article analyzes the play Stella, Sleep by Giannis Oikonomidis, examining the relationship between crime and social pathologies in art through the lens of cultural criminology. The Gerakaris family represents the traditional "holy" Greek family but deconstructs the image of familial peace, highlighting the violence, oppression, and patriarchy that prevail within it. The father, Antonis, a corrupt businessman, tries to impose his authority on his daughter, Stella, who desires to live independently and follow her personal wishes. This conflict between Stella and her father reflects the socio-political and cultural conditions of contemporary Greek society.
The family functions as a mechanism of social conformity, but its patriarchal structure creates conditions of oppression and violence, leading to social inequalities. The play, inspired by Grigoris Xenopoulos' Stella Violanti, emphasizes the dynamics of power within the family and the conflict between individual freedom and social pressure to obey. The Gerakaris family, despite its material prosperity, hides a deep emotional and psychological discomfort that reproduces social pathologies.
Stella resists oppression, but the family dynamics force her to compromise with her father's power, highlighting the lack of individual freedom and moral decay. Violence and submission are intertwined with the social and economic advancement of the family, while communication within the family is repressive and leads to alienation. The play ends with a sense of an unfulfilled resolution, as Stella chooses truth and autonomy despite the oppression.

Authors

• Paraskevi Damala, Social Studies & Theatre Studies, M.Ed., PhD Candidate, University of Peloponnese

• Oriana Zanidaki, Social Policy Scientist | Center for the study of crime