Networks Blog Nº 46: Jo Mitchell Papangelou

In our new series of blogs we are focusing on our upcoming show this April ´Behind the Wall´, a tough courtroom drama written and directed by Hannah Pailthorpe. In this entry we talk to Jo Mitchell Papangelou, one of the leading cast members of Behind the Wall. Jo has taught at Networks for the past three years and is an important part of the theatre team. In January 2013 she wrote and directed her own show ´A Game of Love´.  In ´Behind the Wall´ Jo plays the role of Sara, a young woman fighting the system whilst supporting her dearest friend Carmen during the darkest of times.

  

1) What is your background and how did you become involved with Networks Theatre?

I’ve been in Spain since 2006. I used to live and teach in Puerto de Santa Maria in Cádiz but in 2010 my partner and I moved to this side of Spain. I found out about Networks and I was very excited to see that it was more than just an English Academy in the sense that they ran a theatre and that they were putting on a number of shows every year. I remember going on the website and watching a short clip from Psychadelic Cool (2010) and thinking ‘WOW! That’s amazing! I want to work there’. So I applied and well… the rest is history!

JO AS ALEX IN CHOIR (2013) 

2) How many shows have you participated in?

I have participated in about 11. That´s pretty much every show since I started working here, except for the theatre courses that Nick runs twice a year.

3) Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment during rehearsals?

It’s hard to pick just one. Every show is different and every single rehearsal is full of good moments. I obviously had an AMAZING time doing ‘A Game of Love’ (2013) .I mean the people that were involved are just FAB and we had lots of good laughs together. It was really special for me to see the audience accepting our play so well. I remember the way they applauded and cheered for the actors at the end of the first show. It gave me goosebumps.
 

CAST AND CREATORS OF A GAME OF LOVE (2013) 

4)  Why did you want to be a part of ´Behind the Wall´?

Hannah has written a  play about real people and real life. Issues that are prevalent in society yet do not often get the attention they should.  ‘Behind the Wall’ is full of meaning and character and I feel quite proud being part of it.

5)   Do  you identify with your character Sara?

HAHA… erm.,. definitely! 95% of what Sara says during the play could have been my words.

JO AS SARA (LEFT) IN BEHIND THE WALL (APRIL 2013)

6)  What do you enjoy about the process of preparing a show?

Lots of things though I have to say I am a bit biased as my favourite part is always rehearsing the songs. I’ve also had really good fun every time I’ve gone in with Dennis to paint. Well… he paints… I sing to the music we have on, eat croissants and paint walls solid colours so he can then create those gorgeous images he does on them.

7)   What do you enjoy about performing at Networks Theatre?

I really do enjoy the way we are all on stage on equal terms and working as a team. Teachers, young students, older students, ex-students that have now moved on. It’s like a big family.

8)   What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of acting, singing and performing on stage?

GO FOR IT! You’ll make memories that will be with you forever.