Pandora’s Box, a new play by Léon Yianni at Theatro Technis

Pandora’s Box is a new play by Léon Yianni, supported by Theatro Technis. The story is based on real events, which delve into the 50 year division of Cyprus.
It follows Pandora, a Greek Cypriot woman, as she crosses the border (the green line) to revisit her childhood home. There, she meets Leyla, a young Turkish Cypriot girl who now lives there with her family. This encounter sparks a poignant and emotional connection. The play examines themes of war, division, home, belonging, identity and resolution.
We are proud to announce the cast for Pandora’s Box: Eve Polycarpou and Eylül Arif.
Eve Polycarpou has worked extensively in theatre, TV, film and radio. In theatre, her work includes From Here To Eternity, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Strictly Ballroom, Sunset At Villa Thalia, In The Heights, Mother Courage, Palace Of The End (M.E.N. nomination for Best Actress), The Bacchae, Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well, Lisa’s Sex Strike, Sleeping Beauty, Hecuba, 3d Opera, American Clock, Tales From Hollywood, Sung And Unsung, and Happy End.
One of her favourite roles (her very first) was as the ‘Day by Day’ singer in Godspell at the Haymarket Theatre, Leicester.
Her film, TV and radio credits include Silent Witness, Loyal, Mamma Wants To Go Home, Holby City, I Hate Suzie, Mamma Mia 2, The Nets, Inspector Morse, The Brief, Red Eagle, The Fourth Arm, Jonathan Creek, and Squadron.
Eve is one half of the award-winning singer-songwriter partnership Martha and Eve, also known as the comedy music duo Donna & Kebab. Eve is a singer-songwriter who recently had sell-out performances at Crazy Coqs Zédel. She is currently recording a solo album featuring original material.
Eylül Arif identifies as a Turkish Cypriot/Turkish and British actor. She is delighted to make her professional debut as Leyla in Pandora’s Box. She feels excited and proud to share her roots and culture through the message of the play.
A recent graduate of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, her credits include Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, and Hamlet.
Léon Yianni – Writer & Director. Léon began his career as an actor, proudly training at the Drama Centre in London. He has collaborated with many esteemed actors and directors, including Giles Havergal, Robert David Mac Donald, and Philip Prowse at the Citizens Theatre Glasgow, working on Dorian Gray, Don Carlos, and Song at Twilight.
He appeared in Stephen Daldry’s production of The Kitchen at the Royal Court.
For the past 25 years, he has been coaching actors across theatre, television, film and radio. His recent projects include Arthur’s Whisky, for which Lulu won Best Supporting Actress at the National Film Awards 2024; Bob Servant, for BBC Radio; The Winslow Boy; and The Marilyn Conspiracy. Currently, he is directing the talented Jude Monk McGowan in Sea Wall by Simon Stephens. This marks Léon’s first play.

Useful information:

Estimated running time: Two Hours and 15 Minutes
Performances: Tuesday 11 March ,7.30 pm; Wednesday 12 March, 7.30pm; Thursday 13 March, 7.30pm; Friday 14 March, 7.30pm; Saturday 15 March, 3pm & 7.30pm
Ticket prices: £19, £16 (concessions)
Access: Theatro Technis is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system fitted in the main auditorium. If you have any questions or specific requests, please email [email protected]