Directed by: Stathis Livathinos

 

Nicosia 12 July & Limassol 18 July

The Cyprus Theatre Organisation and the National Theatre of Greece join forces to produce an iconic tragedy: The Suppliants by Euripides, a masterpiece rarely staged, about war and its victims, existential dread, dignity, faith and women’s strength.

The Suppliants is a tribute play to the city of Athens, to democratic regime of its leaders and citizens, deeply human and perceptive, resilient throughout the ages.

It has been 53 years since the tragedy was last staged by the National Theatre of Greece (1966) – the only time in the National Theatre’s history – directed by Takis Mouzenidis, and 39 years since the first presentation of the play by the Cyprus Theatre Organisation in Epidaurus (1980), directed by Nikos Charalambous. This new production, a joint venture of Greek and Greek Cypriot artists, is brought to life by the incumbent artistic director of the National Theatre of Greece, Stathis Livathinos.

It is staged in a new translation by the poet Giorgos Koropoulis, while the set and costumes are designed by the distinguished Cypriot set designer George Souglides. The music composition is assumed by Angelos Triantafyllou, the lighting design by Alekos Anastasiou, the choreography by Fotis Nikolaou and the music coaching by Melina Paionidou. An important ensemble of 16 actors from Cyprus and Greece create the interpretative group of the performance, with Katia Dandoulaki entering the arena of the Ancient Greek tragedy, by interpreting the role of Aethra, Theseas’ mother.   

The mothers of the Argive generals who perished in Thebes fighting by Polynices’ side become suppliants at the temple of Demeter in Eleusis, joined by Adrastus, king of Argos. The suppliants plead with Theseus, king of Athens, to help them: the Thebans are keeping their dead sons as spoils of war and will not allow them to be buried.

In response to this just plea, Theseus decides to send out a message to Creon, king of Thebes. Soon, a Theban messenger arrives bringing a message to Theseus: he is to drive Adrastus and the mothers away, otherwise the Theban army will attack the Athenians.

Theseus leads the Athenian army against Thebes and ultimately retrieves the bodies and has them carried to Eleusis, where they are to be burnt properly. A delirious Evadne, widow of Capaneus, jumps into the funeral pyre to burn along with her husband. Mothers and children return home, carrying the ashes of their beloved ones with them.

Written in 422 BC, the tragedy echoes the battle of Delium (424 BC), in which the Thebans, allies of Sparta, defeated the Athenians and for several days would not allow them to retrieve their dead and bury them properly.

 

Production details  

Translated by  Giorgos Koropoullis

Directed by  Stathis Livathinos

Set and costume design  George Souglides

Lighting design  Alekos Anastasiou

Music  Angelos Triantafyllou

Choreography  Fotis Nikolaou

Music coaching  Melina Paionidou

Assistant directo  Vassilis Andreou

Assistant to the director  Marina Myrtali

Assistant to the set and costume designer  Maria Kalamara

Dramaturg  Irini Mountraki

 

Cast

Mothers of Argive soldiers

Anna Giagiozi, Andri Theodotou, Kora Karvouni, Tzini Papadopoulou, Aglaia Pappa,

Maria Savvidou, Konstantina Takalou, Tania Trypi, Niovi Charalambous

 

Katia Dandoulaki (Aethra), Thodoris Katsafados (Iphis), Katerina Loura (Evadne), Aglaia Pappa (Athena), Akis Sakellariou (Theseus), Christos Sougaris (Adrastus), Andreas Tselepos (Messenger), Harry Charalambous (Herald)

 

Performances

 

Nicosia

Amphitheatre Makarios lll

Thursday 11 July, Friday 12 July*, Saturday 13 July &

Sunday 14 July 2019, 21:00

 

Limassol

Ancient Theatre of Kourion

Wednesday 17 July & Thursday 18 July* 2019, 21:00

 

Larnaka

Pattiheio Municipal Amphitheatre

Saturday 20 July 2019, 21:00

(within the framework of Larnaka Festival 2019)

 

*Surtitled performances in English and Turkish

 

Information/ Tickets

Nicosia  Box Office, tel. 77772717, www.thoc.org.cy

Limassol & Larnaka  www.soldoutticketbox.com and at the box office on the night of the performance

 

Ticket Prices

€17 / €8 (for unemployed, pensioners with proof of relevant document, people under 25 with proof of identification)

 

Media Sponsors

 

ΘΟΚ/THOC	th.o.c	THOC