“(…) It smelled of sulphur and neighed, though it was neither horse, lion, tree, nor sea beast, nor was it a god. I recognized him by the abandonment his hair scattered all around him (…)”
A remarkable artistic collaboration brings the opera Phaëton to life, a work born from the creative partnership between the Greek National Opera and the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Kavala (DI.PE.TH.E. Kavala). The new production, artistically curated by the Rafi Music Theatre Group, marks the historic return of the Greek National Opera to the Ancient Theatre of Philippi after 25 years.
One of the most important works of the French Baroque composer J. B. Lully, Phaëton, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault, is adapted by the acclaimed composer Vasiliki Legaki, engaging in a fruitful dialogue with the original work. The new production is directed by Sophia Antoniou, one of the most distinctive theatrical voices of her generation, making her opera directing debut following her research on classical texts. The various roles are performed by the distinguished soloists George Iatrou, Anastasia Kotsali, Lito Messini, and the rising baritone Paris Dimatsas, in his first leading role.
The contemporary poetic texts are written by Tonia Tzirita Zacharatou, recipient of the Best Debut Poet Award at the Literary Awards of the magazine O Anagnostis. The stage design is created by visual artist Marilena Kalaïtzantonaki, while the costumes are designed by Eleni Kabbada, one of the most dynamic Greek designers working abroad, with an important presence at the Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, making her first appearance in an opera production.
The lyric tragedy of Phaëton, as it was called at the time, draws its inspiration from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and places the very act of transformation at its centre, presenting its heroes as they are constantly transformed into animals, birds and sea monsters—creating a kaleidoscopic universe of rich musical theatre that made it so popular, establishing it as “The People’s Opera.” Above all, however, Phaëton remains a distorting mirror of power, arrogance and the greed of the privileged, sweeping everything away in its path: the lives of ordinary people and the fate of our world.
Director’s Note:
“Here Phaethon lies: in Phoebus’ car he fared, and though he greatly failed, more greatly dared.” The story of a fatherless child who tries to recognize himself as divine, climbs into the chariot of the Sun and drives it to destruction. His journey burns the universe. His fall leaves scorched earth behind. An image of flight and fall, childhood trauma, arrogance and punishment. The myth of Phaethon is rewritten here through a language that brings together Baroque opera and contemporary poetry.
PHAËTON
An opera in three acts,
based on the opera Phaëton by J. B. Lully, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault.
Co-production: Alternative Stage of the Greek National Opera – Municipal and Regional Theatre of Kavala (DI.PE.TH.E. Kavala)
Concept – Artistic Direction: Rafi Music Theatre Group (Anastasia Kotsali, Lito Messini)
Dramaturgy – Musical Adaptation – Orchestration – Live Electronics: Vasiliki Legaki
Direction: Sophia Antoniou
Poetic Texts: Tonia Tzirita Zacharatou
Set Design: Marilena Kalaïtzantonaki
Costume Design: Eleni Kabbada
Lighting Design: Vasilis Apostolatos
Photography: Elli Iatrou
Cast (in alphabetical order):
Paris Dimatsas, George Iatrou, Anastasia Kotsali, Lito Messini
Musicians:
Kostas Giovanis (oboe), Konstantinos Zigeridis (bayan), Vasiliki Legaki (live electronics), Eleftheria Togia (viola)
Advance Ticket Sales
Kavala: Kavala Municipality Visitor Information Center (former EOT), Central Square, Tel.: +30 2510 620566, Monday to Saturday (10:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00) and Sunday (10:00–14:00). On the day of the performance, tickets will also be available at the venue box office from 19:30.
Krinides: Café “Proskinio”, Ancient Theatre of Philippi, Tel.: +30 2510 516090
Entry to the venue after the performance has started is not permitted.
**For another year, spectators will have the option of transportation to and from the Ancient Theatre of Philippi by KTEL Kavala bus upon presentation of a valid ticket for the respective theatre performance.
For the performance of Phaëton, transportation will be FREE OF CHARGE.
Departure from KTEL Kavala at 19:15, with return service immediately after the end of the performance.
Note: Holders of complimentary invitations for the 69th Philippi Festival are requested to confirm their intention to use them by Monday, July 13. Identity verification will take place at the theatre entrance on the day of the performance.
For further information, please contact the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Kavala (DI.PE.TH.E. Kavala) at +30 2510 220876 (10:00–14:00).
