Volume LII, No 4, October

35 Pages·2015·4.72 MB·English

Cyprus
T O D A Y
Volume LII, No 4, October - December 2014
Contents
Editorial ..........................................................................................2
Axiothea Festival ...........................................................................3
KYPRIA .......................................................................................18
Goddess Aphrodite ......................................................................24
Stelios Votsis ................................................................................28
Perfume of Cyprus ......................................................................29
Treasure Island .............................................................................30
Cyprus at the turn of the 20th ......................................................35
Glyn Hughes ................................................................................37
Digital Corpus. .............................................................................38
Unknown history .........................................................................40
Europa Nostra ..............................................................................50
Arshak Sarkissian ........................................................................51
I am not the cancer ......................................................................54
Soprano Tereza Gevorgyan ........................................................58
This is Italy ...................................................................................59
Short Matters ...............................................................................60
Volume LII, No 4, October-December 2014
A quarterly cultural review of the Ministry of Education and Editorial Assistance:
Culture published and distributed by the Press and Information Natassa Haratsis-Avraamides
Office (PIO), Ministry of Interior, Nicosia, Cyprus. [email protected]
Press and Information Office
Address:
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Ministry of Education and Culture
[email protected]
Kimonos & Thoukydides Corner, 1434 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio Front cover: Scene from Homer’s Iliad, directed by
Stathis Livathinos, which was performed at KYPRIA 2014
EDITORIAL BOARD
International Festival
Chairperson:
Pavlos Paraskevas, Back cover: Exhibit from the photography exhibition Cyprus
Director of Cultural Services, at the turn of the 20th century by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural
Ministry of Education and Culture Foundation and the Historical and Ethnological Society of
Chief Editor:
Greece
Jacqueline Agathocleous
[email protected]
GNORA COMMUNICATION CONSULTANTS PIO 238/2014 - 7.000
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Editorial
This issue of Cyprus Today starts off with the University of Cyprus’ annual Cultural
Festival, which took place in September and October at the beautiful Axiothea
Mansion. Audiences got the chance to enjoy a multitude of performances, concerts and
workshops – to name but a few items – all under the theme of the day, which was poetry!
Following on is KYPRIA 2014 International Festival, with its performances based on older
and newer texts or musical works which certainly did not disappoint. Festival-goers were
spoilt for choice, with options including Homer’s Iliad, the CTO’s Constellations and the
very popular comedy Oi fonisses tis Papadiamanti – among others.
Cyprus Today was saddened to hear of the untimely death of visual artist Glyn Hughes on
23 October 2014. Our issue takes a look back at this important artist’s work. Another great
Treasure Island
artist who left us suddenly in 2012, Stelios Votsis, was honoured by the Cultural Services
of the Ministry of Education and Culture in cooperation with his family with a retrospective
exhibition of his work, entitled Remembering Stelios Votsis – An Artistic Overview.
Our issue also features the documentary The Great Goddess of Cyprus, Cypriot director
Stavros Papageorghiou’s film about the Greek Goddess Aphrodite.
Unknown History
In other interesting topics covered in this issue, the Cyprus Institute presented its Ancient
Cypriot Literature Digital Corpus, a digitised record of the island’s ancient history, while
the Cypriot Home of Cooperation won the Europa Nostra Award for cultural heritage.
And of course, there is a variety of exhibitions to choose from: The moving I am not the
cancer installation, which toured several countries and arrived in Cyprus for two days in
November, attempting to sensitise viewers to the inner struggles of advanced breast cancer
sufferers. Readers will also be touched by the Unknown History exhibition held at the Short Matters 17th University of Cyprus Cultural Festival
Pancyprian Gymnasium Museums, which tells the story of the Jewish Holocaust survivors’
final stop in Cyprus on their way to the land of Israel.
Other proceedings reviewed include the exhibition project Treasure Island featuring
visual works, performances, public debates and events selected through an Open Call; the
photography exhibition Cyprus at the turn of the 20th century; and Armenian artist Arshak
Sarkissian’s art exhibition The Week of Madness. Kypria
2 3
17th University of Cyprus Cultural Festival
The beautiful Axiothea Mansion in Old Nicosia only in our small province but also elsewhere. So
once again hosted the University of Cyprus’ are great poems, which in one way or another have
annual Cultural Festival from 6 September to 12 determined the character of a “poetic territory”.
October 2014. Our “poetic territory”, the territory of Modern
Greek poetry is small in its geographic scope
(compared to the “poetic territories” of the major
Of Love and Death
languages). However, it is vast in its genre diversity
By Michalis Pieris (16 May, 2014)
and depth. Its origins date back to the 12th-15th
Of Love and Death is the title and theme of an
century, it reaches its Renaissance peak in the 16th
anthology of Modern Greek poetry, proven in time,
and 17th century (the Anonymous Cypriot poet,
which the Theatrical Workshop of the University
Georgios Chortatsis, Vitsentzos Kornaros), while
of Cyprus presented in Kastelliotissa in April this
in the 19th and 20th century it achieves international
year, partly as a reaction to the conventional global
recognition, culminating in two Nobel prizes
day of poetry. An “Anniversary” established by
(George Seferis, Odysseas Elytis) and many
government decree that gives any aspiring poet
other important distinctions: International interest
the opportunity to assume that it is time for him
to be honoured by poetry rather than to honour in the revival of the Delphic Festival, inspired
poetry. This explains why major poets who are and spurred by Angelos Sikelianos; Lenin Peace
considered milestones on the evolutionary path Prize for Ritsos; international acknowledgment
of a national poetic tradition are often absent from of modern Greek literature thanks to Kazantzakis
most of the events organised on this occasion, not and Cavafy.
Cavafis by THEPAK A Strange World
4 5
different schools, are not just musicians. Because Menelaou (violin) and Nikolas Alessandro Dante Production manager, assistant director: Stamatia
they do not bring to stage already-established (violin), accompanied by Jana Drhova on the Laoumtzi
forms of art, either their own or created by others, piano, contribute with their talent, expertise and
Cast: The Chorus of Old Men and the Chorus of
but are true artists who toil on the threshing field love for classical music as teachers at the Music
Women features all the members of THEPAK,
of genuine creation as if they begin from scratch Talent Development Programme of the Ministry
while the major roles in this year’s performances are
each and every time. As if they seek recognition of Education and Culture. They prepared this
played by: Lysistrata: Christina Pieri Magistrate:
and relive the experiences that form the essence of unique programme especially for the audience of
Dimitris Pitsilis, Myrrhine: Myria Hadjimatthaiou,
their art over and over again. Axiothea to give a taste of their high art, but also
Cinesias: Stavros Aroditis, Coryphaeus of Old
That is why they are not just musicians but poets in to “pave the way” for their students, the talented Men: Michalis Yangou, Coryphaeus of Women:
the original Ancient Greek sense of the word, i.e. children of the Cyprus Young Strings Soloists Eftychia Georgiou, Lampito: Miranda Nychidou,
creators. Thus, each concert they give is a work in ensemble, which also performed at the Axiothea Calonice: Angela Savvidou, Old Man: Chariton
progress because they never cease to explore and Mansion in September. Iosifides, Old Woman: Michalis Michael.
create through improvisations that allow them to
In honour of the “Year of Costas Montis”, and
embark on daring quests.
Aristophanes’ Lysistrata by Costas Montis in response to an exceptionally high demand by
This is the rationale underlying the decision to
Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus the audience, the Theatrical Workshop of the
enrich our programme with precious gems of
University of Cyprus (THEPAK) offered two
Adaptation and stage direction: Michalis Pieris
poetry that create a poetic mood and shed an
additional performances of Aristophanes’ famous
Music: Evagoras Karagiorgis
emotive light on all the events of this year’s
comedy Lysistrata, translated into Cypriot dialect
Set and costumes: Christos Lysiotis, Eliana
Festival (theatre, concerts, and readings). Gems
by Costas Montis.
Chrysostomou
of poetry, which one should probably experience
Movement coaching: Michalis Pieris The performances, which were given in September
and analyse at a deeper level in order to feel the
Choreography: Elena Christodoulidou at the Axiothea Mansion as well as Kourion
undercurrents that connect them to the various
Lighting: Giorgos Koukoumas Amphitheatre, were offered free to the public in an
Melina Harrer (violin) Strings and piano concert events, which Axiothea welcomes this year…
Sound supervision: Stamatia Laoumtzi effort to disseminate and promote the work of the
...the navigable river of Axiothea, which flows
Technical support: Kyriakos Kakoullis major contemporary poet of Cyprus.
This observation leads quite effortlessly to the gently through time, dividing it in two, and swells
conclusion that the nature of Modern Greek again and again, has nursed lovingly this year the
poetry was basically defined by the Greek poets beautiful jasmines at the entrance; an entrance
of the periphery: Cyprus, Crete, the Ionian Islands, that seeks to be a passage – to the world of art;
Alexandria, Asia Minor, and the Dodecanese. That a passage under a delicate roof of recognisable
is why its most important achievements have been scent that blends with the shadow of the moon and
written in the vernaculars of the greater Hellenic bonds with the melody governed silently by “the
World. laws of the starry dome”. And all this with one
aspiration only: To offer to its itinerant birds that
High poetry, like any other form of art, is produced
return every summer and every fall “nights full of
by poets who express the historical epoch in which
miracles, nights sown with magic!”
they have matured and which has defined them,
but at the same time tune in to the rhythms of the
language spoken by the ordinary people, listen Strings and piano concert
to it breathe, and savour the juices of the verbal Six artists from different parts of Europe, with
and musical wealth of the traditional and modern outstanding educational background in music
expressions of culture. and notable achievements in the field of classical
With an anthology made with quality criteria music, presented a virtuoso repertoire for strings
that seek to bring us closer to the best examples and piano, featuring works by Niccolò Paganini,
of this high poetry, this year’s Festival offered a Franz Schubert, Ernest Chausson, Antonio
lot of music from different regions and different Bazzini, Eugène Ysaÿe, Joseph Haydn, Camille
traditions that have one thing in common - the Saint-Saëns and Giovanni Bottesini.
musicians that create it, though coming from The soloists Melina Harrer (violin), Aische Wirsig
Aristophanes’ Lysistrata by Costas Montis
different cultural backgrounds and belonging to (double bass), Petru Iuga (double bass), Menelaos
6 7
Montis’ Cypriot Lysistrata – with its luscious of times in Cyprus and abroad (at municipal Waters of Cyprus, of Syria and of Egypt
idiomatic language, full of brilliant translator’s festivals in Cyprus and in Crete, at the International Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus
choices – has already been recognised as a Meeting of University Theatre in Ancient
Text selection, adaptation and stage direction:
standard-setting rendition of an ancient text, Olympia, at King’s College of the University
Michalis Pieris
which preserves the freshness and vivacity of of London, at the Society of Cretan Studies –
Music: Evagoras Karagiorgis
Aristophanes’ writing style and highlights the Kapsomenos Foundation in Chania, and even
Costume design: Stavros Antonopoulos
richness of the Cypriot vernacular in all its beauty, at the Rizokarpaso Gymnasium in the occupied
Set, stage and costume assistants: Kypros
adding an intense local flavour to the Ancient part of Cyprus). The performance has achieved
Georgiou, Anna Kyriazi
Greek comedy, an unmistakably Cypriot character. great recognition by both audiences and critics, Lighting design: Michalis Pieris, Gregoris
becoming one of the most successful productions
In THEPAK’s performance, this Cypriot character Papageorgiou
of the University of Cyprus Theatrical Workshop.
extends over to the broader musical and metrical Light technician: Kyriakos Kakoullis
This year, the performance underwent a revision
organisation of the play, thus fitting the ancient Production manager, assistant director: Stamatia
with the inclusion of new cast in major roles.
comedy into the cultural context of Cyprus’ Laoumtzi
demotic and popular narrative tradition. This is Cast in leading roles: Stavros Aroditis, Myria
achieved not only through stage direction and Mark Eliyahu Hadjimatthaiou, Christina Pieri, Gregoris
kinesiology, but also through the music of the play, A fantasy of Kamancheh and Piano Papagregoriou, Chariton Iosifides, Michalis
composed by Evagoras Karagiorgis, which enters Mark Eliyahu: kamancheh, bağlama Michael, Dimitris Pitsillis, Nicholas Kakkoufa,
Michalis Yangou, Angela Savidou, Eleni Efthimiou,
into a creative dialogue with Cypriot folklore, as Adi Rennert: piano
Makis Alampritis, Giorgos Koutsodontis, Loizos
well as through Christos Lysiotis’ approach to
Mark Eliyahu, composer, master player of
Gavriel, Michalis Philippakis, Christophoros
costume design, which is inspired by the traditional
the Persian-Azeri kamancheh and the Turkish
Hatzichristoforou
Cypriot costumes.
bağlama, and one of the leading and most
Chorus: Eftychia Georgiou, Maria Christodoulou,
Mark Eliyahu
Since its premiere in the fall of 2000 at the influential musicians in the Israeli world music
Georgia Liasi, Stella Alexiou, Andri Chatzigeorgiou,
Rethymno Renaissance Festival, THEPAK’s scene, has been living and breathing music from
Michaella Protopapa, Kontstantina Evangelou,
version of Lysistrata has been performed dozens the moment he was born. The son of musician parents, he started travelling
Christodoulos Santziakkis, and the remaining cast.
the Middle East at the age of 16 to study and
research music, and has studied in Greece,
Azerbaijan, Turkey and the Netherlands. Study on the “Dramatic” Cavafy
Mark has composed and performed music for After its successful journey to Delphi, Rome and
film, dance companies and theatre productions, Athens, the theatre production Waters of Cyprus,
and has written, arranged and produced music for of Syria, and of Egypt. Study on the ‘Dramatic’
various leading artists, such as Rita, Idan Raichel, Cavafy by THEPAK was presented in October
Ishtar, Sevda (Azerbaijan), and many others. Mark at the Teloglion Fine Arts Foundation upon
was chosen by the European Union to represent special invitation by the Aristotelian University of
Israel in various international projects and has Thessaloniki.
performed on some of the most prestigious stages To mark the occasion, THEPAK gave an additional
across the globe with his projects and ensembles, performance for the audience in Cyprus, giving
along with his father, Piris Eliyahu. theatregoers yet another opportunity to enjoy
In his first concert at the Axiothea Mansion, the multidimensional poetry of the Alexandrian
accompanied by the prominent Israeli pianist Adi in a modular play, grounded in the study of the
Rennert, Mark Eliyahu presented a selection of “dramatic” Cavafy.
pieces, inspired by the ancient Central The performance is based on the entire Cavafy
Asian, Persian and Middle Eastern musical oeuvre and combines those poems or parts of
traditions, and brought together with European poems in which the Alexandrian makes use of
and modal harmonies that preserve the essential techniques and elements characteristic of the
emotional qualities of the music, while making dramatic art. The stage presentation is further
it accessible and inviting to everyone across enhanced by Evagoras Karagiorgis’ inspired
A Woman’s Heart...
boundaries of time and space. music composed specifically for the play, as well
8 9
Omologites Cultural Workshop seeks to explore created in the framework of the ground-breaking
the roles that a woman is often called to embrace – Music Talent Development Programme of the
partner, sweetheart, mother, the driving force and Ministry of Education and Culture, which was
source of inspiration for all arts in all epochs. conceived by and operates under the guidance and
A journey that begins in Cyprus and leads us supervision of the distinguished Cypriot violinist
through Asia Minor, Crete, the Cyclades, Chios, and music pedagogue Professor Matheos Kariolou.
Thrace, Epirus and the Peloponnese in an effort The Programme aims at identifying children
to reveal the image of the woman as it evolved aged 3-10 with recognisable talent in music and
throughout the centuries. providing them with high-level instruction in
stringed instruments with the assistance of a group
The script of the performance was written
of internationally renowned instructors.
by the up-and-coming Cypriot writer Maria
Papandreou (First Prize at the International In the short time span since the establishment of
Single Act Play Competition organised by the the Programme the children who participate in
Union of Theatre Writers in Cyprus in 2012, the Cyprus Young Strings Soloists ensemble have
Award at the Antonis Samarakis International impressed audiences with the exceptional quality
Short Story Competition in 2014). of their performances and have already gained
international recognition with appearances in
Les Hypocrites some of the most famous concert halls in Europe
Cyprus Young Strings Soloists
(Vienna, Brussels, Moscow, Rome, Vatican).
as by Stavros Antonopoulos’ choices in costume Greek-French origin, working professionally in Ensemble of the Music Talent Development
In their first performance at the Axiothea Mansion,
design, both of which add a distinctive aesthetic to different arts but sharing a common interest in the Programme of the Ministry of Education and
the Cyprus Young Strings Soloists presented a
the performance. Greek language and culture – present a fusion of Culture
demanding programme with works by Marc-
The director’s approach, which takes into account theatre, music and video art, inspired by the poetry Soloists: Cleo Karpasiti, Anna Economou, Annisia Antoine Charpentier, Georg Friedrich Handel,
the different stages in Cavafy’s development of Constantine P. Cavafy. Iacovou, Fivos Stavrou, Nicoletta Demosthenous Antonio Vivaldi, Fritz Kreisler, Carl Bohm, Pablo
as a poet (early, formative, mature), as well as Having the oeuvre of the Alexandrian as a set- Piano Accompaniment: Jana Drhova de Sarasate, Astor Piazzolla, Henryk Wieniawski,
the thematic areas of his poetry (philosophical/ off point, Les Hypocrites have created their own Under the guidance of Professor Matheos Kariolou Nikos Skalkotas, Franz Schubert and Nicolo
didactic, historical/political, sensual/erotic poems), story in which the poet himself and his works The Cyprus Young Strings Soloists ensemble was Paganini.
makes the performance not only an enjoyable play the leading role. The performance came to
artistic event but also a productive educational the Axiothea Mansion just a few months after its
experience. successful premiere in April 2014 at Theatre de
Menilmontant in Paris.
Waiting for the Barbarians
Les Hypocrites A Woman’s Heart...
Stage direction: Eleni Apostolopoulou, Alexandros Agioi Omologites Cultural Workshop
Giannou Stefanos Filos: violin, voice
Performed by: Dimitra Kontou, Ilios Chailly, Maria Ploumi: lute, voice
Alexandros Giannou, Eleni Apostolopoulou, Andreas Chatziandreas: clarinet, bagpipe
Ioannis Michos, Topi Pudas Andreas Christodoulou: violin, lute, voice
With the voice of George Corraface Filippos Dimitriou: percussion
Video Art: Ilya Chorafas Neophytos Kalogirou: guitar
Music: Orestis Kalampalikis Agioi Omologites Cultural Workshop Music and
Choreography: Ioannis Michos Dance Ensembles
Lighting: Manon Garsin With the friendly participation of Niovi
Stage design: Manolis Ntourlias Charalambous
Les Hypocrites – a theatre company established in With the performance A Woman’s Heart…, which
Cyprus Young Strings Soloists
Paris in 2012 and comprising artists of Greek and blends together theatre, music and dance, the Agioi
10 11
Cafe Balkan Asia Minor and Thrace.
Alexander Gagatsis: vibraphone The journey begins in Cyprus with male and
Vassilis Kommatas: clarinet female dances, songs, erotic couplets and tsiattista,
Glafkos Kontemeniotis: piano before continuing to the village of Messotopos on
Ioannis Vafeas: drums the island of Lesbos with characteristic folk poetry,
Cahit Kutrafali: bass guitar carnival songs and traditional dances, and then
Maria Pseiropoulou: vocals further away to Asia Minor and Thrace, ending at
Cafe Balkan has its roots in earlier collaborations the village of Asvestades in the Evros region.
and longstanding friendships. The idea for the With this tour around the outposts of Hellenism,
band was conceived in Thessaloniki in the winter the performance seeks to highlight the connection
of 2012 and took shape at a reunion on stage at the and cross-borrowing between different local
Axiothea Mansion back in September 2013. traditions in music and dances but also in
Through Cafe Balkan, Alexander Gagatsis and traditional costumes.
Vassilis Kommatas build upon their common The performance featured folklore music
origin and different experiences, balancing instrumentalists and performers from the village
between traditional and modern sound along with
of Asvestades in the Evros region, as well as the
their collaborators Ioannis Vafeas and Glafkos
Dance Ensemble of the Limassol Folklore Society.
Kontemeniotis in an effort to express themselves
Concept and realisation: Konstantinos Protopappas
in a personal language through traditional
The Arts of Psarantonis
melodies of the Mediterranean and the Balkan
The Arts of Psarantonis day presence and their energy. In Psarantonis’ Peninsula. The Secret Songs
“It is in Nature’s garden alone that such arts can music one sometimes hears running waters that The band is welcoming for the first time Maria Vakia Stavrou
grow” – Erotokritos purl, other times the sound of lonely trees battered Pseiropoulou on vocals and Cahit Kutrafali on Vakia Stavrou: vocals, guitar, compositions
by the wind, or “the hum of the earth and the bass guitar. The band’s quest for musical identity
Antonis Xylouris-Psarantonis: Cretan lyre, vocals Carlos Bernardo: orchestrations, guitar, Irish
rumble of the wind”, as Kornaros has put it. There (or rather the outcome of this quest) is based on
Niki Xylouri: pitcher, drum, vocals bouzouki, viola da gamba, charango, melodica
are also occasions when his upright, abrupt hold improvisation (jazz or other), on deconstruction
Giorgis Xylouris: lute, vocals Inor Sotolongo: percussion
of the fiddlestick drives you to the edge of the cliff and maybe reconstruction of rebetiko songs and
Lambis Xylouris: oud Stelios Pittas: cello, guitar
“where times collide and meet”. melodies from Greece, Bulgaria, FYROM and
Nektarios Kontoyiannis: lute The already established songwriter Vakia Stavrou
Psarantonis has now gained international Turkey.
Deeply versed in the musical traditions of his land presented a set of songs from her latest album
recognition. Already in the 1980s prominent Music from the Outposts of Hellenism
but also nonconformist and inquisitive by nature, “ΑΝΕΜόΕSSA”, written and recorded entirely in
Antonis Xylouris-Psarantonis has established foreign musicians and scholars of ethnic music Limassol Folklore Society Paris, and new compositions from her upcoming
globally had discovered his talent and had invited
himself as a living legend of music, having With the love and respect for tradition that have album “Secret Songs” to be released in early 2015,
him to major festivals in Australia, England,
enriched the Cretan, Mediterranean and European characterised its activity over the years, the after a series of concerts in the historic Lucernaire
France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands,
music with inimitable sounds, exquisite music and Limassol Folklore Society prepared a performance Theatre in Paris. An exceptional selection of songs
the United States, Cyprus and elsewhere. Most
singular interpretations. featuring songs and dances from Cyprus, Lesbos, with a pronouncedly acoustic sound, accompanied
recently, in 2014, Psarantonis measured up his
His music and also his thoughts on music, embody musical genius against high poetry from across the
the ancient mythology of Crete. Either singing world, performing works by major poets such as
about Zeus or telling the story of how the mythical Baudelaire, Pushkin, Rilke, Lorca and Borges, set
shepherd Hantiperas made the first lyre, or talking to music by Dimitris Apostolakis from Hainides.
about Zeus’ protectors, the Kourites, or expressing
Art, as these and other great artists have taught us,
with his lyre the living myth of his native land,
is the fruit of artistic loneliness. It is the personal
Psarantonis gives body and soul – with his physical
path towards an artistic vision, which every great
presence and his art – to the ancient myths of Crete.
artist follows with faith and devotion for life. Such
He does so not only with his virtuosity, but also artistic loneliness accompanies Psarantonis all his
with his belief in those myths, which he approaches years as he treads the difficult path of his personal
Cafe Balkan Music from the Outposts of Hellenism
with heart and mind, convinced of their modern- quest into quality music.
12 13
of Medieval History at the Cardiff University, A Strange World
Peter W. Erbury (Journal of Medieval History, CHEAP: Low Quality – High Fun
vol. 25, issue I, 1999). In his analytical critical
A project of the String Theory Ensemble featuring:
review, published in the Spanish philological
Argyris Bakirtzis: vocals, narration
journal Erytheia, Revista de Estudios Bizantinos
Stavroula Pavlikou: vocals, flute
y Neogriegos (vol. 20, Madrid, 1999), the
Maria Ploumi: lute
Catalan Hellenist Eusebi Ayensa i Prat noted,
Giorgos Paterakis: piano
among others, that “the production highlights
Tsamiko songs next to Chopin’s polonaises.
one of the most important works of Medieval
Giannis Floriniotis next to Japanese songs of the
Cypriot literature, which precedes similar works
1930s. Stamatis Gonidis and Filippos Nikolaou’s
of the Cretan Renaissance”.
“Megiemele” next to Himerini Kolymvites’ songs.
Bigalis’ “Melissoula-Melissaki” next to Amalia
Women that Became One with the Earth
Rodriguez’s songs. Domenico Scarlatti’s sonatas
Theatrical adaptation, interpretation: Marinella next to Teris Chrysos’ “Taka-Taka”.
Vlachaki
Is this an aesthetic Armageddon or a musical
Video: Thodoris Papadoulakis, Giannis Kritikos
farce? A reanimation of second-rate pop-folk or yet
Adaptation of folksongs: Leonidas Maridakis
another wayward musical acrobatic extravaganza?
Vocals: Leonidas Maridakis, Danae Botik
Vakia Stavrou Everyone can see it as they want.
The Secret Songs The Cyprus Chronicle by Leontios Machairas The performance Women that Became One with
For the String Theory Ensemble, however, it is a
the Earth comprises seven popular narratives of general stance toward the world around us: do we
by instruments such as cello, acoustic guitars, Leventis Μunicipal Museum and the National women from Epirus, which refer mainly to the take it for granted and try to cope with it as it is, or
viola da gamba, charango, Irish bouzouki and Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (MIET) period around 1940 and have been recorded by the do we have the power to change it into something
percussion, which create a highly intimate in Athens, the Theatrical Workshop of the writer Georgia Skopouli (Those Who Became One completely different? In the first case, we need
atmosphere, partially owing to the orchestrations University of Cyprus presented the historical with the Earth, Dodoni 2008). to do nothing but follow the stream. But what
made by Vakia Stavrou’s Brazilian collaborator, production The Cyprus Chronicle by Leontios
Several rural women marked by the elements of weapons do we need in the second case?
Carlos Bernardo, musician, arranger and multi- Machairas, which marked the beginning of
nature, by poverty, war, civil war, exile, the cruelty In any case, apart from inspiration, it took the
instrumentalist, and the imaginative approach of THEPAK’s activity in 1998.
of men, talk about their lives in a plain language, String Theory Ensemble a lot of skill, a lot of
Inor Sotolongo on the percussion. The play is the first and so far the only attempt to
sincere and true, reviving a Greece that we have musical knowledge and many hours of work and
Songs of a personal nature in which, however, bring to stage the most important narrative (and almost forgotten. rehearsals to create this strange project. It is this
anyone can identify moments and pieces of his own potentially stage worthy) work of Medieval and
These illiterate women share their experiences band’s belief that the meticulousness, knowledge
life and experiences. New and older compositions, Modern Cypriot literature “Recital concerning
with dignity and faith in life, but above all without and work behind every “spontaneous” comic
coupled as always with Vakia’s favourite classic the Sweet Land of Cyprus entitled Cronica, that is
bitterness and hatred, turning their troubled lives scene in a Charlie Chaplin movie always deserve
songs (Hadjidakis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Henri Chronicle”, which came as a result of a year-long
into a song. to be taken into consideration.
Salvador, Jacques Brel, and others). research into the work of Machairas.
Awarded at the Ithaca Festival in 1998, this
Print Act Art Performance
historical production has had more than 50
The Cyprus Chronicle by Leontios Machairas
performances in Cyprus, in Greece and elsewhere A ground-breaking partnership between engravers,
Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus
(Munich, Paris, London, and Barcelona). members of the Cypriot Printmakers Company,
Adaptation and stage direction: Michalis Pieris and artists working in music, theatre and dance for
The performance received high critical acclaim
Music: Antonis Xylouris-Psarantonis the co-creation of a visual performance.
and was characterized as a “major philological
Song lyrics: Michalis Pieris
and theatrical event” (Yorgos Hatzdakis, Under the common theme “Nicosia”, works by
Song composition: Evagoras Karagiorgis
Kathimerini, Athens, July 19, 1998). Apart from Cypriot poets served as a guide and inspiration
Set and props, costumes: Christos Lysiotis
the positive critical reviews in the Cypriot and for the printmakers who experimented in creating
Lighting: Grigoris Papageorgiou
Greek press, the production was also praised various engravings, based on which actors, a
Technical support: Kyriakos Kakoullis
internationally, while its significance for the director, a choreographer and a musician then
Assistant director: Stamatia Laoumtzi
awareness of the people of Cyprus of their history developed further the common theme through
Scene from Women that Became One with the Earth
On the occasion of its performance at the was emphasised by the distinguished Professor their art, turning the print act into a performance.
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Love unconquered in Battle by Nikos Charalambous, THOK, 2002), while in
Christos Pittas 2005, he composed the music for the choruses and
songs of THEPAK’s production of Erotokritos.
A song cycle based on erotic poetry from Sappho
to Kornaros
Performed by: The Ballad of the Bridge
Margarita Syggeniotou: mezzosoprano Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus
Pantelis Stamatelos: violin
Adaptation, stage direction: Michalis Pieris
Antonis Hatzinikolaou: guitar
Music: Evagoras Karageorgis
An original song cycle by Christos Pittas, featuring Set and props: Christos Lysiotis
The Ballad of the Bridge
older and new compositions, which was presented Costumes: Marina Kleanthous
with great success in Britain and in Greece. Choreography: Michalis Pieris
educational experience, since it gives students and
Original Greek poetry by Sappho, Sophocles, Kinesiology: Arianna Ikonomou
educators the opportunity to come across some
Euripides, Kornaros and Chortatsis, among Lighting: Yorgos Koukoumas
essential issues in the research of verbal folklore, such
others, coupled with a selection of Petrarchan 16th- Production manager, assistant director: Stamatia
as the different approaches to and interpretations of a
century Cypriot love poems from the so-called Laoumtzi
given theme, as well as the historical and ideological
Rime d’Amore manuscript found and kept at the
On the occasion of its upcoming participation at
perspectives that open up as a result of the creative
Marciana Library in Venice.
the Agia Napa Medieval Festival, THEPAK gave
approach to demotic songs. At the same time, the
one performance of its successful production The
performance offers an innovative stage interpretation
Christos Pittas Ballad of the Bridge, which has been piquing the
of traditional folklore that takes into consideration
Christos Pittas was born in Alexandria in a family interest of the audience for 11 years now. the context, pursuits and collective dilemmas of
originating from Cyprus. He was raised in Nicosia The play is a stage adaptation of some of the most modern times.
where he began to study music. At the age of 16 expressive versions of the famous Greek folk
The music of the play is performed live on stage
he graduated from the National Conservatory of ballad The Bridge at Arta as preserved in Cyprus,
by the composer Evagoras Karageorgis (lute) and
Cyprus and in the same year (1961) recorded his Print Act Art Performance Pontus, Crete, and Epirotic Greece. the musicians Andreas Christodoulou (violin),
first compositions for CYBC – a cycle of songs for
More than just an enjoyable theatrical event, Christiana Antonoudiou (clarinet) and Yiannis
baritone and piano, based on poetry by Palamas,
1984, Queen Elisabeth Hall), which was followed the performance constitutes a truly productive Soulos (drum).
Drosinis, Lipertis and Pashardis.
by a series of dramatic compositions such as
In London, where he went to continue his studies in Spring, Sibylla, Antigone, Heli-Om. Costas Montis
music, the BBC Drama Department commissioned
In addition to his ‘staged music’, Christos Pittas
him to compose the music for two theatrical Costas Montis was born on February 18, 1914 in Famagusta, and died on March 1, 2004 in his home
has also composed four Poetic Symphonies for
productions, Menander’s Samia and Sophocles’ in Nicosia, surrounded by his family. He has received numerous honours and awards throughout
orchestra, choir and vocal soloists (Hamathen,
Electra. In the years that followed, drama became his life, and his books have been translated into several languages. Costas Montis has received
Lumen Tristis, Rime d’Amore and 1973), as well
a steady part of his creative endeavours with music honorary doctorates from both the University of Cyprus and the University of Athens. He has
as a large number of compositions for smaller
for dozens of theatre productions. In England, been nominated for the Nobel Prize, and in 2000 he was declared Corresponding Member of the
ensembles and vocal and instrumental soloists.
most of his compositions for the theatre were Academy of Athens, the highest honour conferred upon intellectual creators living outside Greece.
commissioned by the BBC Drama Department, Most of Christos Pittas’ compositions have been In support of his proposal to the Academy of Athens, Professor Nicholas Konomis included the
while in Greece and in Cyprus – by the national performed by orchestras and ensembles such as: following: “Costas Montis is one of the greatest living Greek poets, and certainly one who renewed
theatres or by other theatre companies and The London Chamber Orchestra, New London in a unique way modernistic lyric poetry, and enriched modern Greek poetry from the point of view
institutions such as Desmoi, Popular Experimental Soloists, BBC Singers, National Symphony of Cyprus. With his uninterrupted literary creation of 70 years, he has been able to depict artistically
Theatre and THEPAK. Orchestra of Britain, New York North & South the authentic rhythms, the temperature, and the action of the deepest historical and emotional
Ensemble, the Athens State Orchestra, Cyprus fluctuations of the soul and breath of Cyprus and its people. In his extremely powerful work he has
His productive relationship with the theatre as a
State Orchestra, ERT National Symphony recorded every vibration of the island (erotic, social, political), and all the thoughts of the people of
composer took him into other creative paths, which
Orchestra and Chorus. Cyprus have been set down..... He has made use of the whole wealth of the linguistic, historical, and
led to the creation of original music compositions
cultural tradition of greater Hellenism, and entrenched in his work, with unprecedented poetic force,
worthy of the stage. A milestone along this path In 2003 he was awarded the Melina Mercouri Prize
the indelible character of the deep-rooted values of the Greek nation.”
was the Choreo-Dramatic Music 106 Act Idola for for his music for the play Phoenician Women by
For more information on Costas Montis, visit his official website: http://www.costasmontis.com/
orchestra, dancers and solo percussion (London Euripides (translated by Michalis Pieris, directed
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