As part of the educational program «From the Museum to the Theater: Exploring the Theatrical Practice of Ancient Tragedy» organized by Piraeus Municipal Theater, Sophocles’ *Antigone*, directed by Dimitris Lalos, is coming to Kythira for two performances at the Chora Castle (Wednesday, June 9, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.).
The educational program is being implemented in collaboration with the Piraeus & Islands Ephorate of Antiquities and Piraeus Organization for Culture, Sports, and Youth through the Piraeus Municipal Theater.
Thirty distinguished scholars and artists from the fields of archaeology, museology, theater studies, and the performing arts oversaw the design and implementation of the program.
It is a new institution in museum education and theatre education.
The main aim of the programme is to familiarise secondary school students with ancient tragedy, the modern language of theatre and theatrical practice.
The educational activity is structured in three modules.
– At the beginning of the program, a discussion is held with the students regarding the function of both the theater space and tragedy as a dramatic genre. Among other things, students are introduced to the origins of theater and its role as a vehicle for sociopolitical education in ancient Athens.
– Next, the students watch a performance of Sophocles« *Antigone*, translated by Giorgos Blanas and directed by Dimitris Lalos.
– At the end, participants take part in hands-on activities with the show’s creators and actors.
During the training program, participants will receive supporting educational materials in both print and digital formats, and training seminars will be held for the teachers participating in the program with the aim of further utilizing the materials.
The duration of the educational activity is 2 hours.
Teachers who wish to participate should visit the Piraeus Municipal Theater website at www.dithepi.gr and fill out the application form.
Antigone by Sophocles
The Performance
Sophocles« *Antigone*, one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek literature, will be presented as part of the educational program *»From the Museum to the Theater: Exploring the Theatrical Practice of Ancient Tragedy» in his excellent translation of By Giorgos Blanas.
The direction is signed by Dimitris Lalos who notes for the performance:
«A dust-covered landscape. A devastated people in the wake of a merciless civil war. Values are being put to the test. The new ruler will make a tragic decision: not to bury the invader, who is, however, his relative. The entire people remain silent regarding his decision. Except for one: Antigone. She will do what customary law demands and bury her brother. A titanic battle between Creon and Antigone begins. A battle that echoes through the ages to this very day. Sophocles» iconic play continues to challenge us to this day, asking whether what is lawful is also just. The consequences for the heroes will be disastrous yet deeply redemptive. In the end, we will realize that the world is a precipice and that man stands on the very edge of that precipice.”.
Translation: Giorgos Blanas Direction: Dimitris Lalos Choreography: Zoe Hatziantoniou Music: Henri Kergomar Set Design – Costumes: Dimitra Liakoura Make-up Artist & Hair Stylist: Lenia Saw & George Torosis Photographs: Theodoros Popesku Video: Thomas Palyvos Cast: Creon: Thanasis Dovris Antigone: Eleni Boukle Ismene: Nefeli Kouri Haemon: Giorgos Triantafyllidis Guard: Panos Kammenos Angel: Ousik Hanikian Chorus: Mariam Rouhadze, Eva Fraktopoulou, Tasos Dedes Tiresias: Dimitris Imellos
The educational program began in November 2020 and will continue through September 2021
DATES AND TIMES OF THE PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCE OF Sophocles’ *Antigone*
Piraeus Archaeological Museum: Monday, May 24—two performances
9:00–11:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. at the Ancient Theater of Zea
Piraeus Archaeological Museum: Wednesday, May 26—double performance
9:00–11:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. at the Ancient Theater of Zea
PIRAEUS MUNICIPAL THEATER: Thursday, May 27—two performances
9:00–11:00 & 11:15–1:15 p.m. and Friday, May 28 (two performances)
9:00–11:00 & 11:15–1:15 p.m.: next to the Piraeus Municipal Theater
Salamina: Monday, May 31, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m., and Wednesday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. in the courtyard of the Salamina Archaeological Museum
Aegina: Thursday, June 3—two performances
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., Friday, June 4
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum of Kolona, Aegina
Agistri: Monday, June 7
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: School courtyard: Skala Agistriou
Kythira: Wednesday, June 9—two performances
9:00–11:00 & 10:45–13:00: Chora Castle
The project «From the Museum to the Theater: Exploring the Dramatic Action of Ancient Tragedy,» with OPS Code 5011026, is part of the Operational Program «Human Resources Development, Education, and Lifelong Learning 2014–2020» and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and national resources through the Public Investment Program (PIP). The project is being implemented in partnership between OPAN and the Piraeus and Islands Employment Agency.
