# About Tonia Banila

> Source page: https://toniabanila.com/about/

Tonia Banila is a circus and martial artist from Athens who introduced Fire Theatre in Greece, blending mythology, handmade costumes, and contemporary performance.

Tonia Banila (b.1992 Athens, Greece) lives in Athens and works as a circus and martial artist. She is a well known fire performer by introducing in Greece the concept of Fire Theatre. Her performances feature spectacular stage costumes and juggling props (handmade crafts) that bring to life mythical characters and historical personas, using metal, lights and technology. 

Her background in athletics, including gymnastics, track and field and Shaolin Gong Fu, provided her with valuable physical skills and discipline that contribute to her performances. 

She is a graduate of the Department of Nursing at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2015). Also, she is currently studying Performing Arts at the Hellenic Open University, specializing in Ancient Greek Tragedy, where she explores the relationship between classical heritage, philosophy, mythology and contemporary artistic expression. 

Attending seminars on circus (russian school), juggling, theatrical clown and performing arts, particularly at the National Theatre of Greece, demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning and growth in her performances. 

Since 2016 she is exploring the connection between the body and mind that can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. She has participated in numerous theatrical and musical productions, big festivals in Greece and abroad and street theatre performances especially with Helix Action Theatre directed by Nikos Chatzipapas. 

Her artistic and research interests focus on the intersection of philosophy, mythology and performing arts, exploring how ancient narratives can be transformed into contemporary forms of artistic expression. Through her performances, Tonia Banila can inspire others to contemplate their own physical and mental well-being, encouraging them to seek a harmonious balance between the two.

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