The Papess Joanne comes to the Stavros Niarchos Hall 154 years after the release of the “antichristian and malevolent” novel of Emmanouel Rhoides, for three performances. On the occasion of the organization’s 80th anniversary, the Greek National Opera has been commissioning Greek composers to write new operas, aiming to create a “Greek” operatic repertoire. The libretto, based on the subversive and notorious novel of the same title, bears the stamp of acclaimed writer Vangelis Hadjiyannidis, while the music is composed by the multi-awarded composer and university professor Yiorgos Vassilandonakis.
Papess Joanne, a child prodigy, a restless and unconventional spirit, a woman who committed hubris and was punished for it, but then got a much-needed catharsis in God’s hands; a fictional character or a real person, is the center of Rhoides’ novel and through her, writes about women and unleashes harsh criticism against the representatives and practices of the church. The emblematic heroine and her road to glory and eventually disgrace, as well as the people who are always angry, passionate, and ready to be carried away, constitute the perfect operatic subject. Yiorgos Vassilandonakis, who lives and works in the USA, has written music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, electronic and multimedia music, opera and many works for the cinema and theater; Rhoides’ complex world was a creative challenge for the composer, which led to a genius parallel musical narrative which serves a dramatic structure and develops along with the inner world of the characters.
The new opera’s direction has been assigned to one of the most prestigious theater directors of the young generation, Dimitris Karantzas, who has also been a nominee for the 16th Europe Theatre Prize. Papess Joanne will be portrayed by the talented Greek soprano Chrissa Maliamani, who, despite her young age, has already been cast as the protagonist in several performances. The roles of Frumentius and Floros, Joanne’s lovers, will be played by the renowned baritone Dionysios Sourbis.
Performance Dates: March 8, 15, 22 2020.