The audience experienced a magical evening at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with the performance of Zorba The Greek Ballet, featuring the iconic music of Mikis Theodorakis and choreography by Lorca Massine. With internationally renowned dance stars, the Slovene National Theatre Maribor, the moving voice of Irini Karaianni, and the direction of Lukas Karytinos, the performance captivated the audience. The evening also had a philanthropic purpose, with the crowd enthusiastically participating, culminating in the iconic Sirtaki dance performed by the Lyceum of Greek Women.
A unique night unfolded recently at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where the audience watched the Zorba The Greek Ballet performance. The recognizable sounds of Mikis Theodorakis’ symphonic work excited the audience, who cheered and participated enthusiastically throughout the performance.
The choreography by Lorca Massine, the famous ballet with its intense movements and expressions, moved the audience and transported them into the mythical world of Nikos Kazantzakis.
The performance opened with greetings from the President of the Thyateira Union, Giorgos Papagiannopoulos, and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
The President of the Union spoke about the significant work of the Archdiocese both in Great Britain (where 500,000 Greeks reside) and internationally. He also announced that the evening marked the beginning of the international tour of Zorba The Greek Ballet, which will begin shortly.
Moved, the Archbishop thanked the audience for their attendance at the Herodes Atticus and for their contributions to the charitable work of the Thyateira Union.
International dance stars took the leading roles: Joshua Legge, First Dancer of the Warsaw Opera, portrayed a dynamic, technically flawless, and expressive Zorba, while Ihan Durgut, First Dancer at the Ankara Opera, passionately and powerfully interpreted the challenges of the choreography in the role of John. The internationally renowned Greek Prima Ballerina of the Arena di Verona and the National Opera House of Greece, Eleana Andreoudi, as Marina, moved the entire audience to tears with her exceptional performance, technical brilliance, and dynamism. Nikola Hadjitanev, First Dancer of the Sofia Opera, delivered a flawless performance as Manolios, while Evgenia Koskina gave an excellent portrayal of Madame Hortense.
The Slovene National Theatre Maribor accompanied the stars with perfect synchronization, and the voice of Irini Karaianni brought the power of the work to life.
On the podium, the conductor Lukas Karytinos was an integral part of this mystical event. Also unforgettable was the presence of the Lyceum of Greek Women, which performed the Sirtaki dance in a unique choreography.
Contributors:
- Music: Mikis Theodorakis
- Choreography: Lorca Massine
- Lead Dancers: Joshua Legge, Eleana Andreoudi, Ihan Durgut, Nikola Hadjitanev, Evgenia Koskina
- Ballet: Slovene National Theatre Maribor
- Musical Direction: Lukas Karytinos
- Orchestra: Athens Philharmonia
- Choir: Athens Youth Choir (AXNA)
- Singing: Irini Karaianni
- Featuring the Lyceum of Greek Women
- Lighting: Dimitris Koutas
- Organizer: Thyateira Union
- Co-organizer: Ambrosia Capital
- Press & Communications: Marika Arvanitopoulou | Art Ensemble
- Public Relations: JGK Yiannis Kazanidis
- Photography: Agapios Agapiadis
The performance of Zorba took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and Investments, the Ministry of Culture, and with the support of the Ministry of Health.
All proceeds will be donated to support the FLOGA Association for Children with Neoplastic Disease and the missionary work of Sister Nektaria, a symbol of the fight against poverty and illiteracy in Kolkata, India.
We sincerely thank our sponsors and supporters.
