Penelope Plaka says Greek society lives for others, not selves

In an interview with journalist Ilias Maravegi for the magazine Enjoy, Greek actress Penelope Plaka said comedy functions as a vital “breath” for people, providing joy and relief in an increasingly stressful daily life. She highlighted how laughter helps individuals escape pressures and “the anxieties and problems” that dominate modern existence.

Plaka criticised the persistent social expectations that dictate personal decisions such as marriage, having children or career paths, arguing that many people feel compelled to justify their choices to others. She urged society to accept each person’s distinct life trajectory and stop living for others. The actress compared today’s hyper‑talking culture to the “Tower of Babel,” noting that despite everyone speaking, genuine communication is becoming rarer.