The Thessalian Theatre presents, on Saturday 18 July at 21:30 at the Ancient Theatre of Philippi, as part of the 69th Philippi Festival, Federico García Lorca’s masterpiece “Blood Wedding”, in a symbolic year in which the Theatre’s 50th anniversary coincides with the 90th anniversary of the playwright’s death. The production is directed by Kostas Tsianos, with sets and costumes by Giorgos Ziakas, and music composed by Dionysis Tsaknis. A performance that connects the historical journey of the Thessalian Theatre with the timeless power of modern tragedy, through Kostas Tsianos’ research and directorial vision.
The play:
Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding”, inspired by a real crime of passion in the Spanish countryside, explores forbidden love, family honour, marriage, money, ownership that leads to blood feuds, fate, and the social oppression of women in a world governed by strict rules, where passion clashes relentlessly with duty and tradition. It is a modern tragedy with a strong lyrical and symbolic character. The play combines dialogue and choral sections and highlights the supernatural elements (the Moon, Death, Nature) as catalysts for the tragic climax. Folk traditions and myth form the core of the drama, which engages in direct dialogue with ancient Greek tragedy, a field explored by Kostas Tsianos.
The story:
In a closed rural society, a wedding is being prepared to unite two families. The Bride obeys social expectations, while a forbidden love continues to live within her. The return of Leonardo, a married man bound by an old blood feud, leads to upheaval. On the day of the wedding, passion triumphs over duty and sets off a chain of revenge. Their escape triggers a pursuit. The Groom, trapped by the code of honour and the social expectations surrounding him, follows the path of revenge. “Blood Wedding” tells the story of humanity’s inability to escape its destiny in the name of love.
Production Credits:
Translation: Errikos Belies – Kostas Tsianos
Direction & song lyrics: Kostas Tsianos
Set & Costume Design: Giorgos Ziakas
Music: Dionysis Tsaknis
Lighting Design: Melina Mascha
Assistant Director: Asimina Sofia Christopoulou
Music Direction: Margarita Papadimitriou
Cast (in order of appearance):
Charon (as a beggar woman) – neighbour – Leonardo’s mother-in-law: Angeliki Lemoni
Mother: Dina Avagianou
Groom: Asteris Krikonis
Leonardo’s Wife: Christina Vraka
Leonardo: Angelos Andriopoulos
Girls: Anastasia Vagena, Stefania Karagianni, Dimitra Karagiorgou
Nanny: Niki Pallikaraki
Father: Nikos Arvanitis
Bride: Jenny Kazakou
Young Men: Giorgos Vountas, Dimitris Ontos, Pantelis Psakidis
Moon: Dimitris Ontos
Production Management: Eirini Gkotsi
Tour Management: Sakis Manafis
Communications Manager: Aris Asproulis
Technical Director: Nikos Georgakis
Set Construction: Nikos Andrianopoulos, Panagiotis Karachalios, Anestis Symeonidis
Set Painting: Giannis Katsaribas
Set Artwork: Vasilis Sakkis
Wardrobe Supervisor: Nikoleta Kaisi
Costume Making: Sofi Banga Atelier, Charoula Bordocha
Mask Construction: Tina Parali
Electricians – Lighting Technicians: Giorgos Golantas, Nikos Foniadakis
For the music of the first production in 2008, the musicians were:
Giannis Spathas (guitars), Thymios Papadopoulos (clarinet), Michalis Tzouganakis (lute), Andreas Katsigiannis (santouri), Antonis Stavropoulos (bass), Giorgos Skordalos (lyra), Andreas Sikis (ney, duduk, bagpipe, daouli).
Recording & Mixing: Ilias Lakkas, Odeon Studio
Sound processing & mixing of the second production in 2026: Dimitris Bellos, Decibel Studio
Voice Recording: Giannis Skardamis, DNA LAB Studio
Poster Design: Giannis Petrou
Programme Design: Lila Palaiologou – pelpal productions
Promotional Photography: Antonis Gravanis
Promotional Photo Makeup: Vivi Nikolaou
Promotional Photo Hairstyling: Sandrakis Hair Salon
Video Recording – Teaser: Sotiris Pappas
Ticket Presale
Kavala: Visitor Information Centre of the Municipality of Kavala (former EOT office) Central Square, tel.: 2510-620566 Open daily from Monday to Saturday (10:00–14:00 and 18:00–21:00) and Sunday (10:00–14:00). On the day of the performance, tickets will also be available for purchase at the box office of the event venue from 19:30 onwards.
Krinides: Café “Proskynio”, Ancient Theatre of Philippi, tel.: 2510516090
*Entry to the venue is not permitted after the beginning of the performance.
**Once again this year, spectators will have the option of transportation to and from the Ancient Theatre of Philippi by KTEL Kavala bus, upon presentation of their ticket for the respective theatrical performance, with a special fare of €4.40.
Departure from KTEL Kavala at 19:15 and return after the end of the performance.
Note: Holders of named invitations for the 69th Philippi Festival are requested to declare their intention to use them by Thursday 16/7. Identity verification will take place at the entrance of the theatre on the day of the performance.
For more information, please call the offices of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Kavala (DΗ.ΠΕ.ΘΕ. Kavala) at 2510.220876 (10:00–14:00).
