Sixty years after the first performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Neos Kosmos Theatre in co-production with Art Theatre Karolos Koun presents Aeschylus’ “The Suppliants” directed by Marianna Kalbari. This is a poetic but deeply political play that gives centre stage to the contemporary issue of asylum in democratic societies, especially when it comes to the persecution of women.
The first and only one of Aeschylus’ Danaid Tetralogy that has been preserved, this play features a collective female character as the protagonist: the Chorus of fifty Danaids who run away from Libya and Egypt with their father Danaus, seeking asylum in the city of Argos. Just like their ancestress Io, who strove to escape the torture of a disturbing horsefly sent to her by her pursuer Hera, the Danaids strive to flee king Aegyptus’ fifty sons who demand to forcibly marry them. The myth raises the issue of women’s identity and place in society, while recounting the chronicle of the Hellenic tribe’s settling and predominance in the country of pre-hellenic Pelasgians.
The Danaids talk about the circumstances that force people to flee their land, the immigrants’ harsh fate, the value of justice and the principles of democracy. Above all, they talk about Woman’s struggle against Man, who demands to forcibly dominate her.
The performance redeemingly unites the voices of ancient Greek and today’s heroines through an impressive Chorus of fifteen young women led by Lena Papaligoura and Loukia Michalopoulou in the roles of Hypermnestra and Amymone.
The Chorus consists of members of the female choir Chóres, new student actors of the Higher Drama School of Art Theatre Karolos Koun, and acrobat dancers of “Ki omos kineitai” group (leading performer: Christina Sougioultzi).
Lydia Koniordou takes on the male role of Pelasgos, king of the pre-hellenic Pelasgian tribe which is believed to have been matrilineal. The two roles representing patriarchal authority are played by Akis Sakellariou and Giannis Tsortekis.
Artistic & Production Credits
Translation: Ioannis Griparis
Script & Dramaturgy – Direction: Marianna Kalbari
Set design – Costume: Christina Kalbari
Musical composition: Charalambos Gogios
Choreography: Christina Sougioultzi
Lighting design: Stella Kaltsou
Assistant director: Marilena Moschou
Assistant to the set designer: Kiriaki Forti
Assistant to the costume designer: Katerina Kirtatou
Music coach: Irini Patsea, Simela Emmanouilidou
Production coordination of CHÓRES choir: Veroniki Krikoni
Executive producer: Marina Gavriilidou
Cast (in alphabetical order): Lydia Koniordou (Pelasgos), Loukia Michalopoulou (Amymone), Lena Papaligoura (Hypermnestra), Akis Sakellariou (Danaus), Giannis Tsortekis (Herald of Aegyptus)
Lead dancer: Christina Sougioultzi
Lead CHÓRES vocalists (in alphabetical order): Eleni Vasilaki, Konstantina Giannopoulou, Giota Dimitrakopoulou, Fani Likou, Ioni Moschovakou, Dafni Pagoulatou, Eleni Pouliou, Elina Stamopoulou, Danai Stergiou, Nikolaia Triantafyllou
Lead performers of the Higher Drama School of Art Theatre Karolos Koun (in alphabetical order): Nefeli Dodopoulou, Mirto Kapoli, Renia Kritikou, Anna Morogianni
A co-production of Neos Kosmos Theatre and Art Theatre Karolos Koun
ADMISSION:
GENERAL ADMISSION: € 22
DISCOUNTED ADMISSION (UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, UNEMPLOYED, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES): € 18
START TIME: 21:00