GR
By Anastasia Kitsikosta
There are moments when dialogue requires less imagery and more substance. This idea gave birth to the project “Dialogues in the Dark”—designed to remove visual cues, roles, and prejudices, leaving only speech, experience, and truth.
Two open dialogues in complete darkness with guests from culture, art, and media will take place at the Michalis Cacoyannis Foundation on February 10 and March 3, with all proceeds going to charity.
The audience will experience a unique opportunity to listen, reflect, and discuss societal issues without focusing on who is speaking. Everyone is on equal footing—no one sees the speaker, only what is being said.
In the first dialogue, Pygmalion Dadakaridis and Aristotelis Rigas will participate, while the second will feature Natassa Bofiliou and Natasa Giamali.
Speaking to skai.gr, Christos Panoilias, founder and head of Action Esti | Artist & Event Management, responsible for production, explained why this is a unique initiative, how the idea originated, and what the audience will gain from the experience.
He stated: “The soul of the project and coordinator of the dialogues is Vangelis Avgoulas, a blind lawyer, activist, and founder of the NPO ‘Me Alla Matia.’ I handle production and communications. The idea initially started as a live podcast in the dark. However, we were aiming for something more: an initiative with a positive social impact based on three pillars: awareness, education, and active support of ‘Me Alla Matia.’”
The format of the “Talk in the Dark” already existed, as Vangelis had held two similar talks in 2022 and 2024. Building on this, the aim was to give the project new momentum: find a stable venue and invite public figures people who may not know each other but whose work and voice deserve recognition to meet in a unique setting: without images, without roles, without prejudices.
After many discussions with Vangelis, they concluded that in today’s era of overexposure and information overload, many speak at once, but few truly listen. “Dialogues in the Dark” seeks to reverse this, highlighting dialogue as an essential tool for addressing challenges both individually and collectively.
“Darkness as a tool for equality”
Regarding what the audience will experience and why the project takes place in darkness, Mr. Panoilias explains: “We do not view darkness as a lack but as a tool for equality. It creates a shared space where voices carry more weight, and attention focuses on substance rather than presentation. The audience experiences something very different from a standard discussion or performance. In darkness, there is no image to distract or guide your judgment. Even if you know who is speaking, you cannot judge by appearance, attire, or role. This compels you—positively—to truly listen.”
He continues: “The audience is not passive. They actively participate with questions and contributions, co-shaping the dialogue. This is a key element of the concept.”
In the first dialogue with Pygmalion Dadakaridis and Aristotelis Rigas, topics include:
- The relationship between art and society
- The boundaries of satire
- Responsibility in public statements
- Accessibility in culture
In the second dialogue, with Natassa Bofiliou and Natasa Giamali, the discussion focuses on:
- The role of women in public discourse
- Visibility and silence
- Hate comments and public exposure
- The power of art and journalism as acts of resistance
Proceeds from the events will support “Me Alla Matia”.
“The proceeds are used to support the NPO’s educational programs, which inform and raise awareness among students across Greece about disability, equality, and inclusion. The goal is not merely financial but meaningful: to support a program that shapes mindsets from a young age. If the world is to change, it will be through young people who recognize diversity and respect their fellow human beings, not through an uncle wishing someone would ‘set things straight.’ ‘Me Alla Matia’ is the ideal partner because its work is experiential, fully aligned with the philosophy of solidarity and inclusion, and based on action and experience rather than theory or wishful thinking.”
“Darkness as a challenge for artists”
Regarding whether it was difficult to convince artists to participate, he notes:
“Surprisingly, it was easier than expected. Not because the project is simple, but for three main reasons: First, through our work with ‘Me Alla Matia’ and ‘Spoudaia Events,’ we have shown we can create safe spaces with respect for both guests and audience. Second, artists understand that this is not just another panel or predictable public appearance; darkness itself is a challenge. Third, the goal of supporting educational programs on disability and inclusion resonates and motivates them.”
“Meeting as humans, not roles”
Regarding the future of the project, he emphasizes: “Yes, ‘Dialogues in the Dark’ is ongoing. We are close to announcing the next discussions with people from diverse fields: art, music, education, journalism, and social action. The guest selection is intentionally diverse. We seek people with voice, experience, and willingness to share something real—beyond their role. Often, we invite people we admire and want to hear ourselves.”
Finally, on the message of this “in-the-dark” dialogue, he says: “Meaningful communication begins when we stop looking and start listening. Listening without blinders. Equality is not a slogan but a condition. Visual and other filters limit and bias us. In the dark, we can—if only briefly—meet as humans, not as roles.”
Source: www.skai.gr
