Performances by the Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 March 2012
19.00
Arthur & Paula Lucas Lecture Theatre, Strand Building, Strand Campus
The Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus (THEPAK) was founded in 1997 by the then Dean of the School of Letters, Prof. Michalis Pieris, a scholar of Modern Greek who also has a training in drama as well. It brings together undergraduate and graduate students, members of the academic staff, and alumni of the University of Cyprus, as well as theatre professionals, scholars, and friends of the arts outside the academic community.
A research theatre, THEPAK strives with its performances to add a new dimension to the study of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Greek literature by shedding light on unknown or less familiar masterpieces of Greek literature, thus contributing to the promotion and modern reception of valuable works, which have as a common denominator the dialectic language of peripheral Hellenism. Each of the seven productions comprising THEPAK’s repertoire so far marks a step towards achieving these goals. THEPAK has performed with much success in Cyprus, as well as across Europe (Albania, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands).
For a brief video presentation visit their
website
In March THEPAK is coming to King’s present two of its highly acclaimed productions. The visit is co-organised by the Centre for Hellenic Studies, the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, and the University of Cyprus. Both performances are open to the public, and there is no charge for attendance; but those intending to attend are asked to register in advance by email to
chsevents@kcl.ac.uk
A brochure about the company is available to download
here
Friday March 16, 19:00
The Ballad of the Bridge
This is a stage adaptation of some of the most expressive versions of the famous Greek folk ballad “The Bridge at Arta” as preserved in Cyprus, Pontus, Crete, and Epirotic Greece. More than just a enjoyable theatrical event, the performance constitutes a productive educational experience, since it gives viewers the opportunity to come across some essential issues in the research of verbal folklore, such as the different approaches to and interpretations of a given theme, as well as the historical and ideological perspectives that open up as a result of the creative approach to demotic songs. At the same time, the performance offers an innovative stage interpretation of traditional folklore that takes into consideration the context, pursuits and collective dilemmas of modern times. The music of the play is performed live on stage.
Saturday March 17, 19:00
Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” translated into Cypriot dialect by Costas Montis
This translation into Cypriot dialect by the best contemporary poet of Cyprus, Costas Montis, produces a play with a distinct local flavour, an unmistakable Cypriot character. The language of the adaptation is luscious, poignant, full of brilliant choices that preserve the freshness and vivacity of Aristophanes’ text and bring the ancient dramatic work closer to the linguistic sense of modern-day Cypriots. The Cypriot nature of Montis’ “Lysistrata”, however, is not limited only to language and verbal expression but extends into the broader musical and metrical organisation of the play, which in Montis’ adaptation fits into a new cultural setting, that of the demotic and popular narrative tradition of Cyprus.