**Ancient Greek Drama Takes Centre Stage Across Cyprus**
The International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama is set to return next month, marking its 29th year of celebrating the timeless works of classical playwrights. Organized by the Department of Contemporary Culture and the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute, the festival will run from July 3 to August 8, showcasing a series of performances in three historic venues across the island: the Curium Ancient Theatre in Limassol, the Ancient Odeon in Paphos, and the Makarios III Amphitheatre in Nicosia.
This year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of local and international productions, each offering a unique interpretation of ancient Greek texts through contemporary lenses. The participating theatre companies will explore themes such as war, violence, and collective trauma, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these ancient narratives in addressing modern societal issues.
The festival will kick off with a powerful rendition of Euripides’ *The Trojan Women*, presented by Come y Calla Productions in collaboration with the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival from Spain. Scheduled for July 3 and 4 at the Curium Ancient Theatre, the performance features acclaimed Spanish actress Isabel Ordaz in the role of Hecuba. This adaptation aims to transform the tragedy into a contemporary theatrical experience, emphasizing the harrowing effects of war on the lives of the defeated.
Following this opening act, the festival will continue with a presentation of *Hecuba*, also by Euripides, performed by the Latvian Daugavpils Theatre on July 10 and 11 at the Ancient Odeon in Paphos. This production is notable for its use of Latgalian, a regional language from eastern Latvia, which adds a distinctive tone to the performance. Through a modern directorial approach, the play reflects on themes of violence, loss, and human resilience, resonating with ongoing global conflicts.
On July 17, the National Theatre of Northern Greece will present Aristophanes’ *Lysistrata* at the Curium Theatre. Directed by Asterios Peltekis and featuring Elisavet Konstantinidou in the title role, this performance utilizes the humor and satire characteristic of Aristophanes to engage with pressing political issues, including societal decay and the necessity for collective renewal.
The festival will also showcase its only Cypriot production, *Seven Against Thebes* by Aeschylus, presented by Persona Theatre Company. Directed by award-winning artist Lea Maleni, this performance will take place on July 27 and 28 at the Makarios III Amphitheatre, followed by additional shows at Curium on July 31 and August 1. The production features a talented ensemble cast and aims to connect Aeschylus’ anti-war themes with contemporary societal concerns.
Capping off the festival will be the National Theatre of Greece’s adaptation of Euripides’ *Alcestis*, directed by Dimitris Karantzas. Scheduled for August 7 and 8 at the Curium Theatre, this production explores the delicate balance between tragedy and comedy, delving into themes of sacrifice, power, and social responsibility. It promises to offer a thought-provoking commentary on the costs associated with salvation and authority.
The festival not only highlights the artistic interpretations of ancient texts but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange among theatre practitioners from various countries. With performances from Spain, Latvia, Greece, and Cyprus, the festival underscores the universal nature of these ancient works and their ability to resonate across different cultures and contexts.
For those interested in experiencing the rich heritage of ancient Greek drama, the festival runs from July 3 to August 8, with performances at three iconic locations: the Curium Ancient Theatre in Limassol, the Ancient Odeon in Paphos, and the Makarios III Amphitheatre in Nicosia. Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website and local ticketing platforms.
As Cyprus prepares to welcome this celebration of classical theatre, audiences can look forward to a summer filled with thought-provoking performances that bridge the past and present, showcasing the enduring power of ancient Greek drama.