Ballet has always been an indisputable component of Russian culture; Russia is the country of the most prestigious ballet schools and internationally acclaimed dancers. Impeccably trained dancers with flawless technique enhance classical choreographies with modern twists, resulting in stunning ballet performances. Ballet lovers will be excited to hear that the Odessa National Opera Ballet, one of the best and historical dance ensembles in Eastern Europe, will be in Athens to perform Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece and one of the most popular ballets of all time!
The Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet has a history of centuries: great composers, singers, dancers, and choreographers have presented their work here all over the world, keeping the classical dance alive. The renowned ballet ensemble will be performing the best-loved classical ballet 'Swan Lake', composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, reviving the choreography by Marius Petipa, and Lev Ivanov and the classic, enchanting story of a prince and a princess, who turned into a swan until, until love breaks the spell!
Performance Dates: 3,4,5 May 2019
The Marriage of Figaro, one of Mozart's most famous operas with an Italian libretto written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, returns to the Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Based on Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais’ comedy ‘La Folle Journée,’ this four-act play is about Suzanne and Figaro’s genuine love and their continuous struggle to stay together and get married, foiling the count’s desperate attempts to seduce Suzanne.
The libretto reflects the intensity of relations between different social classes and masterfully outlines each character with brilliant arias for each role, with duets, and with astonishingly imaginative ensembles. The remarkable power and clarity of Mozart’s music realistically brings the characters’ multiple aspects to the fore. The Marriage of Figaro is a cornerstone of the repertoires and according to Da Ponte, Mozart was successful in creating a new kind of musical theater.
A Performance By The Greek National Opera
Directed by Alexandros Efklidis, the Greek National Opera’s production especially highlights the opera’s peculiarities, its comic elements, as well as the timeless social conflict between societal classes. The production is conducted by Marios Papadopoulos and Giorgos Balatsinos, and the protagonists are portrayed by acclaimed Greek actors. Ioanna Tsami designed the costumes and Melina Mascha is the production’s lighting director.
A great exhibition that was inaugurated at the Louvre in 2010, and since then has been shown in many cities across three different continents, arrives at Athens’ Benaki Museum. The fascinating story and cultural evolution of the Arabic Peninsula from the prehistoric era until the 20th century is revealed through 300 exhibits that highlight the extraordinary multifaceted character of Saudi Arabia.
The exhibition introduces significant findings that indicate early nomadic movements, trade routes that linked the peninsula with the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia and the rest of Asia, as well as pilgrimage roads leading to Mecca from the 7th century AD onwards. Monumental sculptures, gold burial ornaments, and tombstones constitute some of the exhibits, intending to familiarise the Greek audience with the rich yet lesser known historical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
Guided tours by the exhibition curator, Mina Moraitou will be offered on specific dates, and an educational program titled ‘Following the Traces of the Caravans’ is available for students.
The tragic love story of Lucia Di Lammermoor follows the passionate, secret affair of Lucia and Edgardo. As members of opposing houses, the two lovers have to face the intense hatred that Lucia's brother has towards Edgardo, which ultimately leads to the protagonists' violent death. Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece, based upon Sir Walter Scott's historical novel ‘The Bride of Lammermoor’, returns to the Greek National Opera, in a co-production with London’s Royal Opera House. Sponsored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the production features a dynamic cast and is conducted by Pierre Dumoussaud.
A Great Work & A Renowned Director
Famous British director Katie Mitchell is one of the most genuine and interesting voices in contemporary European theater. Mitchell, who has recently directed one of the most successful plays at the Royal National Theatre starring Cate Blanchett, endeavors to see a story unfold through its central characters. Dedicated to that, she attempts not only to narrate a love story, but also to view the plot from the perspective of the main heroine. Mitchell brings a female perspective to the fore as a counterpoint to a dark, male-dominated world. In Lucia, the stage is divided into two parts with two parallel narratives: On the one hand, the audience watches everything described in the opera's libretto, while on the other hand, the narrative focuses on the parallel events, filling in the blanks and unveiling the feminine aspect of the work.
Excellent Cast
The vocally demanding lead role will be performed by acclaimed Greek sopranos, Christina Poulitsi and Vasiliki Karagianni. Sir Edgardo will be portrayed by Yannis Christopoulos, while Tassis Christoyannis and baritone Tassos Apostolou will perform the roles of Enrico and Raimondo respectively.
