Her natural charm, her ease in captivating the public’s attention, her innate grace that flows with every movement, become clear the moment she steps on the stage. Even her slight Cypriot accent when speaking Greek becomes a plus, enhancing her ability to win hearts and minds, the same way certain French actresses do when speaking English (providing they’ve taken some phonetics in advance).

Being an actress from Cyprus in New York sounds more or less like the anecdotal “an Albanian tourist in Greece!” People would think that Cyprus doesn't even have theater (wrong!) forget about actors! “Actually, Cyprus has many and excellent actors who are not so well known internationally, because they are not supported enough,” counters Joanna in her gentle, yet assertive manner. Although she comes from the island of Aphrodite, she’s not blonde; she’s more on the brunette side, with almond-shaped eyes that reveal a lot of influences. Certainly the island has been at the crossroads for many peoples and civilizations, giving way to a unique osmosis with a refreshingly-scented Greek aftertaste. In that regard, Joanna Kyriacou is the perfect example.

After she studied Business Administration & Economics in Greece, she moved back to Cyprus, where she worked in, what else, offshore businesses. Before getting into modeling and appearing in TV commercials, she worked as an air hostess, while at the same time pursuing studies in modern jazz dance. About three years ago she made the big decision and crossed the Atlantic, settling in New York City, where she has a full time job at Cyprus’ Permanent Mission in the UN. She is also working as Interior Designer/Decorator and still finds time to appear on stage. Her first role in New York was in the play "O Xenos”, directed by Andreas Tselepos, followed by the role of "Filio" in "Cuckoo Family", directed by Larisa Antypa.

Cyprus is a small Mediterranean island country of which about half the territory is under Turkish occupation since 1974. Her parents were among the thousands of refuges that had to flee the advancing Turkish troops. “Of course I wasn’t born then, my parents lived the drama of the invasion,” she says, suddenly invisible shadows clouding her eyes and her mood changes completely. “I visited the occupied territories last summer for the first time and I can tell that I was very touched by what I’ve seen. It’s hard to know that your parents’ house is occupied by Turkish people and you cannot live there anymore, only visit it like a tourist.” Part of her job in the Mission is to inform people about the great injustice that befell her land, which despite the efforts, continues to this date. She believes, however, that more than politics, people will make a difference. “I’ve met actors, here in New York, that came from the occupied territories and they are not happy with the situation. They don’t want to forget it, they write and stage plays instead so that they can channel their anger and frustration there.” Indeed, Turkish Cypriots in the occupied areas are a minority already, thanks to about 40,000 Turkish troops and more than 150,000 colonists who have completely altered the demographics.

New York has been a big school for Joanna and her antennae are up to intercept the city’s various waves and frequencies. “I am taking advantage of this great cosmopolis,” she admits, relaxing at a sidewalk café on a rarely-beautiful afternoon, sipping the last drops of a milk-foamed frappe. (“Skim milk, of course,” she is eager to clarify.) “I’m learning a lot from others and I have the opportunity to see and live other traditions and experience people in ways that I couldn’t imagine before.” She understands, however, that interaction is a two-way street. “I also brought my own culture here, I didn’t just come to take, I have a lot to give and I’m sure this great city can find it very useful. As Greeks we’ve always been participants, we never liked to be on the side line. Our place is right in the middle of the stage, we are natural performers.” Well, at least she is and when asked what we can expect from her in the future: “Everything!” was her answer. “I’ve done many things in my life already but there is still so much more that I need to do. I owe it to me, to those who love me, to those I love, to my heritage as Greek Cypriot and to been a New Yorker now! There is no time to waste.” Indeed, there is not, as she rushes to say good bye and run to afternoon acting classes, leaving me to wonder if that was the reason for her sudden departure or to get away from me and my sleep-inducing questions …

DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS