You see, ,” he said, “they are the Others
and it cannot be They without You
nor can it be You without Them”
Odysseas Elytis, Axion Esti
For the new season, which began in the wake of a very successful summer tour, the challenge is to convince the public that Cyprus Theatre Organisation (Thoc) is an Organisation with continuity, artistic consistency and a future. We need to attract new audiences through performances that remain accessible to the general public without sacrificing quality. As a great 20th-century man of the theatre once said, we need "to give the audience what they want, unobtrusively.” We need to raise the theatrical bar a little higher and to try, both artists and audiences, to clear it. Because, in the same way citizens are responsible for the way power is exercised in their country, so are spectators responsible for the quality of the theatre in the country.
The winter theatre season has two new characteristics:
- A common theme for the Main and New Stage, depicted in the lyrics of Odysseas Elytis. The Other: understanding, acceptance, coexistence. The plays selected bring to light the different versions of the concept of the "Other", stimulating the audience to think, reflect on and rethink certain stereotypes.
- An ‘ intervention’ involving the identity of the Theatro Apothikes, making it available to two talented creators with the goal of transforming it through a variety of events into a venue for non-stop artistic activity.
In addition, established events that have been tried and tested and are now associated with Thoc venues will be retained: the first series of broadcasts for NT Live has already been planned. The policy of collaborating with external organisations to host their productions and to exchange theatrical expertise will also continue, for performances that will be selected on the basis of their thematic and aesthetic merits. Finally, for the events of the 018 stage, we will be repeating our successful production of last year, but we will also bring back the Suitcase Theatre, which this year will be addressed to kindergarten and younger primary school children.
THOC MAIN STAGE EVIS GAVRIELIDES AUDITORIUM
Henrik Ibsen The Lady from the Sea
Director: Heinz-Uwe Haus
Performances start on 11/11/2017
First staging in Cyprus
Haven’t you noticed that people who live by the sea stand out? It’s as if they live the life of the sea. They are like a wave and the ebb and flow of the tide in their mind and consciousness. And they cannot live anywhere but there.
Like a mythical siren who is trapped in the human world and in a marriage without pleasure, Elida Wangel hears the call of the sea, delivered to her in the form of a person from the past, and is tested by the dilemma: freedom or social compromise?
German director Heinz-Uwe Haus, who has made a mark on the Cyprus theatrical scene with a number of memorable performances, approaches one of Ibsen’s most important works, which, although not staged frequently, contains all those features that explain why the great Norwegian author is the patriarch of modern theatre. The performance features many important artists, including the winner of the Cyprus Theatre Grand Prize Michalis Christodoulides, who will compose the music.
Translation: Margarita Melberg
Director-Dramaturg: Heinz-Uwe Haus
Music: Michalis Christodoulides
Set Designer: Lakis Genethlis
Costume designer: Stefanos Athienitis
Movement Director: Panayiotis Tofi
Cast: Nektarios Theodorou, Styliana Ioannou, Dinos Lyras, Neoclis Neocleous, Neofytos Neofytou, Asteris Peltekis, Stella Fyrogeni, Elena Hadjiafxendi
Iakovos Kambanellis Stella with the Red Gloves
Director: Constantinos Arvanitakis
Performances start on 20/1/2018
I trip like a blind woman, I give it my all, I believe them and all they do is study me and try to change me! No, my dears, I haven’t fooled anyone, they fooled me.
Born with values that don’t agree with the customs and perceptions of her time, Stella, a wild spirit that cannot be tamed, surrenders to love without inhibitions and chooses a rupture with a painful end instead of the false happiness of a dull life.
Iconic and much loved, both in it’s theatrical version and the film adaptation by Michael Cacoyannis, Kambanellis’ work serves as a hymn to unconventionality. The writing of the most important Greek writer of the second half of the 20th century combines the beat of lively language with emotion. Konstantinos Arvanitakis, who directs the play, sheds light on the timelessness of the subject, in a performance with live music composed by Stamatis Kraounakis.
Director-Dramaturg: Constantinos Arvanitakis
Set Designer: Elena Kotasvili
Costume Designer: Constantina Andreou
Music: Stamatis Kraounakis
Movement Director: Elena Christodoulidou
Assistant Director: Evripides Dikeos
Cast: Kika Georgiou, Petros Giorkatzis, Giorgos Evagorou, Erica Begeti Lira, Herodotos Miltiadous, Yiannis Minos, Panayiotis Bouyiouris, Ioanna Siafkali, Eleni Sidera
Simon Stephens The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
(based on Mark Haddon’s novel)
Director: Lea Maleni
Performances start on 21/4/2018
First staging in Cyprus
I do not tell lies. Mother used to say that this was because I was a good person. But it is not because I am a good person. It is because I can't tell lies.
Almost obsessively seeking an answer to the question “Who killed the neighbour’s dog”, Christopher, a unique boy with special needs whose innocence is his weapon, will discover truths that will make him mature and those around him better people.
One of the most successful plays in the English theatre in recent years, a novel deeply human and touching, is transcribed for the stage by Simon Stevens, one of the most important writers of European drama. The constant alternations between action and narration create a galloping rhythm that captivates the viewer. Lea Maleni leads her colleagues with her experience, in a show of the ensemble.
Translator-Director: Lea Maleni
Music: Christina Georgiou
Set- & Costumes: George Yiannou
Movement Director: Fotis Nicolaou
Multimedia: Nicoleta Kalatha
Cast: Elena Demetriou, Loukas Zikos, Thanasis Ioannou, Fotis Karalis, Andreas Koutsoftas, Maria Michael, Alexandros Parisis, Eleni Smyrniou, Giorgos Tzortzis, Stela Furogeni, Myrsini Christodoulou
THOC NEW STAGE
Mike Bartlett Cock
Director: Costas Silvestros
Performances start on 20/10/2017
First ever staging in Cyprus
Gay, straight, words from the sixties. Sound so old. Horrible, horrible words. So why are you telling me that what I sleep with is more important tha[n] who I sleep with?
A homosexual relationship in crisis: when John suddenly falls in love with a woman, W, his partner, after the initial shock, reacts and tries to win him back by any means possible. His endeavour has no limits and is without inhibitions.
A play that starts off as a comedy about sexual orientation ends in deep reflection about love and its rules, regardless of sexual preferences. This is exactly what makes Bartlet’s script so distinct: Sexual choices are not treated with "TV" terms or easy stereotypes. Last year’s award winning director Kostas Silvestros is called on to bring the writer’s dramatic language and provocative spirit to life, with the help of a dynamic group of actors.
Translation: Katerina Evangelatou
Director: Costas Silvestros
Set-Costume Designer: Marina Hadjilouka
Music: Thodoris Economou
Movement: Alexis Vasileiou
Assistant Director: Tzortzina Tatsi
Cast: Prokopis Agathocleous, Kostas Kazakas, Sophia Maria Kikilindjia, Andreas Tzelepos
Nina Raine Tribes
Director: Athina Kasiou
Performances start on 26/1/2018
First ever staging in the Greek language
Billy says that he’s decided to stop talking to you. He thinks you should all learn sign language. He says...He’s spent his life trying to understand you and now he thinks you should try to understand him.
Young Billy, born deaf, has had a “normal” upbringing in a family that has done everything to ease the consequences of being different. But what happens when somebody from his “tribe” invites him to join him? How will he respond to the calling of his own nature?
Nina Raine, a new dynamic voice in British theatre deals with the sensitive subject of an organic “disability”, balancing between humour and drama. With a subversive approach and staying clear from melodrama, the writer penetrates into the character’s’ mentality, eventually displaying many versions of diversity. Athina Kasiou, a director with experience in text with great substance, has been called to highlight the aspects of the script that was awarded the 2012 Drama Desk award for Outstanding Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.
Translator: Eri Kyrgia
Director: Athina Kasiou
Set-Costume Designer: Lydia Mandridou
Music-Sound Designer: Antonis Antoniou
Cast: Demetra Demetriadou, Lambros Constanteas, Marios Constantinou, Spyros Stavrinides, Antonia Charalambous, Niovi Charalambous
Constantia Soteriou The Shell
Director: Andreas Araouzos
Performances start on 27/4/2018
Commissioned by Thoc
It’s as if he’s dead, the person I knew is dead Pano. He left his body. He’s empty. Where he once stood now there is nothing. Now only a shell remains.
When her partner gets struck by a disease that violently cuts him off from the rest of the world, Anna is confronted with the question: does her existence "end" with his? How selfish is it to want to continue a normal life, overcoming prejudices?
One of the most talented voices of Cyprus’ new writing generation, Konstantia Sotiriou, deals with the sensitive subject of Alzheimer's. But it is not the patient that is the focus of her observation, but those who surround him and suffer the consequences of his condition with him. The play was written under commission by THOC and was further enhanced by a creative collaboration with Andreas Araouzos, who will direct it, with very important and experienced artists by his side.
Director: Andreas Araouzos
Set-Costume Designer: Elena Katsouri
Music: Giorgos Kolias
Cast: Fotis Apostolides, Varnavas Kyriazis, Iro Mane, Panayiota Papageorgiou, Andreas Tselepos
THEATRO APOTHIKES
Actions A
Period October - December 2017
Art Director: Stephanos Droussiotis
Dubitanda
/ du:bi:ꞌtændǝ /
nominative neutral plural, gerund type of Latin dubitare (doubt)
1 things that we should or is possible to doubt
2 matters that are conditional or under discussion
“De omnibus dubitandum est” 
“We should be doubtful of everything”
SørenKierkegaard (1841-1846)
Dubitanda, things/ideas to be questioned. Under this title Stephanos Droussiotis alongside a strong artistic group enter the Theatro Apothikes and proposes a number of actions: a small theatre festival with host performances from abroad, two platforms for young creators, 3 new short plays under his own direction, meetings of the public with important theatre directors, screenings of shows that shaped the modern theatre scene and many more.
The full schedule of dubitanda will be announced by the end of September 2017.
Group of partners: Marina Argyridou, Aris Kallergis, Alexandra Matthaiou, Giorgos Poulios, Marinos Charalambous
Actions B
Period February - May 2018
Art Director: Panayiotis Larkou
The Drawing Room
In every house there is a room never to be used by its occupants, who have been forbidden to enter it. This room is dark, lifeless, a showcase room. The furniture is expensive yet no-one gets to sit on it. This room gets thoroughly cleaned even though nobody uses it and has its lights and windows shut. People rarely enter the room and even when they do, they need to wear a mask. Nobody is clean enough, worthy enough or important enough to be in that room. This room is more important than the people who made it, its inaccessible, it’s the drawing room, a room exclusively for the guests.
An invitation to new artists to try out their ideas on stage, visual platform, performances based on the Organisation’s archive, masterclasses and a play with the same title at the end of the three months, are only some of the actions that will be showcased at the Warehouse under the artistic direction of Panagiotis Larkos.
Various Actions that relate to theatre, plastic arts, poetry, music and dance make up "The Drawing Room" in which the audience can become this indiscreet observer, the foreign visitor who will unlock this inaccessible space.
The full schedule of Actions for the 2 Period/ trimester will be announced in February 2018.
Collaborators: Vassiliki Kypreou, Giorgos Kyriakou, Panagiotis Bratakos, Tzortzina Tatsi, Panayiotis Tofi
STAGE 018
Alki Zei Petro’s War (Rerun)
Director: Takis Tzamarias
Performances start on 15/10/2017
When I was young I went out on the streets to demonstrate. Our banner was the biggest one of all and its letters were a bright green, and the people would shout for food and whisper for freedom
When the war broke out in Greece of 1940, Petros was just nine years old. The years that follow will lead him to an adventure full of experiences, emotions and knowledge. When the occupation is over Petros will be able to walk free again. To enjoy his greatest love, the love for his country, without fear.
Alki Zei’s wonderful novel that was embraced by young and old viewers alike, returns to Thoc’s stage giving the chance to those who missed it, as well as those who wish to see it again, to embark on a journey with its characters: Petros, his family and friends. Takis Tzarmagias’ play has received much praise and has been received with love from its audience.
Adaptation: Savvas Kyriakides, Takis Tzamargias
Direction: Takis Tzamargias
Set-Costume Design: Edouardos Georgiou
Music: Demetris Zavros
Song verses: Demetris Zavros, Nevi Kanina
Music Instruction: Christina Argyri
Movement: Elena Christodoulidou
Video Art: Christos Demas
Lighting Design: Georgios Koukoumas
Cast: Elias Andreaou, Pinelopi Vasileiou, Andreas Vasiliou, Anna Giagkiozi, Andrea Demetriou, Mikaella Theodoulidou, Stelios Kallistratis, Giannis Karaoulis, Andreas Makris, Demetris Mahairas, Dina Michaelidi, Eleni Moleski, Sotos Stavrakis, Antonis Hadzis
Dimitris Baslam Sofia, the Bee (a production to be presented in kindergarten and primary schools)
Director: Dimitris Baslam
Performances start on 9/1/2018
First ever staging in Cyprus
In collaboration with the University of Cyprus
In books, he replied to her.
Everything is written in books!
There you will find answers
to many questions.
Famous songwriter Dimitris Baslam introduces us to Sofia, a bee that enjoys reading, in an adventure of knowledge and love for science. His splendid songs will accompany this beautiful fairy tale with a group of musicians and new actors who will introduce the wise Sophia to children of kindergarten and primary school children.
Playwright text-Director-Musical Director: Dimitris Baslam
Set-Costume Designer-Dolls: Martha Foka
Cast: Savvina Georgiou, Constantina Xenofontos
Musicians on stage: Stefanos Koutelis, Giannis Koutis
NTLIVE
Thoc continues its collaboration with National Theatre Live with screenings of selected productions of the UK’s National Theatre at the Thoc Main Stage.
■ Obsession, Jan Peter Gerrits' theatrical adaptation of Luchino Visconti’s film of the same title
Director: Ivo van Hove
19 September 2017
■ Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare
Director: Simon Godwin
26 September 2017
■ Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, by Edward Albee
Director: James Macdonald
10 October 2017
■ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, by Tom Stoppard
Director: David Leveaux
17 October 2017
■ Yerma, Simon Stone’s adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s play of the same title
Director: Simon Stone
21 November 2017
■ Peter Pan, by James Matthew Barrie
Director: Sally Cookson
23 December 2017
■ Angels in America (part 1), by Tony Kushner
Director: Marianne Elliot
23 January 2018
■ Angels in America (part 2), by Tony Kushner
Director: Marianne Elliot
30 January 2018
■ Salome, by Yaël Farber
Director: Yaël Farber
20 February 2018
■ Follies by James Goldman
Music and lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Director: Dominic Cooke
20 March 2018
■ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams
Director: Benedict Andrews
24 April 2018
■ Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Director: Nicholas Hytner
22 May 2018
* All productions have Greek and Turkish subtitles
Reruns - Guest Productions
Following the policy of hosting guest performances of particular artistic interest, THOC will host selected productions, with the participation of important artists. Information on productions and dates will be given through special announcements.
