**“Seven Against Thebes” Returns for One Extra Performance in Nicosia**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Following a successful run this summer, the Persona Theatre Group has announced an additional performance of Aeschylus’s classic tragedy, “Seven Against Thebes.” The show will take place on Wednesday, September 2, at the Makarios III Amphitheatre, located at the School for the Blind in Nicosia, starting at 9 PM.
“Seven Against Thebes” tells the poignant story of the fratricidal conflict between the sons of Oedipus, Polyneices and Eteocles. The narrative revolves around Polyneices, who leads the Argive army in an attempt to reclaim the throne from his brother Eteocles, igniting a cycle of violence and bloodshed that underscores the tragic nature of their familial strife.
Award-winning director Lea Maleni is at the helm of this contemporary staging, which is part of the 29th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama 2026. Maleni’s adaptation delves into themes of fear, trauma, and civil strife, while examining the often-blurred lines between victim and perpetrator in ongoing cycles of conflict. The production aims to resonate with modern audiences by drawing parallels between the ancient narrative and contemporary issues.
This performance is notable for its multilingual approach, featuring dialogue in seven different languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Somali, Hindi, and Serbian. These languages are significant as they represent regions affected by war, displacement, and collective trauma, allowing the production to give voice to the experiences of those impacted by conflict.
The creative team behind “Seven Against Thebes” includes translator Giorgos Blanas, dramaturgical adapters Elena Triantafyllopoulou and Lea Maleni, set and costume designer Giorgos Giannou, and composer Spyros Kallivokas. The movement direction is by Panayiotis Tofi, while Nikos Mylonas is responsible for the lighting design. The assistant director is Katerina Papageorgiou, and a team of language coaches has been enlisted to ensure authenticity in the multilingual performances.
The cast features a diverse group of actors, including Yiannis Karaoulis, Andreas Papamichalopoulos, Marina Mandri, Myrsini Christodoulou, Anna Yiagkiozi, Vasilis Michael, Semeli Kyriazi, Frederiki Tombazou, and Antonis Akritos. Young performers Solon Dellaporta and Damianos Kousiappas will also take the stage, accompanied by musicians Natasa Chatziandreou and Annita Skoutella.
The performance is designed to be accessible, running for approximately 75 minutes, with Greek and English surtitles available for the audience. It is suitable for viewers aged 12 and older, making it an engaging option for families and young adults interested in exploring classic Greek drama through a contemporary lens.
Tickets for the additional performance of “Seven Against Thebes” are expected to be in high demand following the positive reception of earlier shows in Nicosia and Limassol. The production has garnered attention not only for its artistic merit but also for its timely exploration of themes that resonate with current global issues.
As the Persona Theatre Group prepares for this extra performance, they continue to highlight the importance of cultural events in Cyprus, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts and the timeless narratives that connect humanity across generations.
For those interested in attending, further details regarding ticket availability and pricing can be found on the Persona Theatre Group’s official website or through local cultural event listings.