Medea, the phenomenon production that is already sold out at almost every stop of its tour, will be presented on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, at 9:30 p.m. at the Ancient Theatre of Philippi, as part of the 69th Philippi Festival. The direction of this landmark production is signed by internationally acclaimed director Nikita Milivojević.
With Medea, directed by Nikita Milivojević, Karyofyllia Karabeti returns, 29 years after her legendary performance, to the iconic role of Medea, starring in this summer’s major theatrical production. The internationally acclaimed director, beloved by Greek audiences, comes to Greece to present a powerful interpretation of this great tragedy. A Medea that carries on stage, as both memory and truth, the unbearable burden of a love that leads to betrayal, exile, and death.
Medea. A production of the highest standards that confronts the very core of ancient tragedy, its timeless intensity, and its contemporary irony.
Nikita Milivojević, an internationally acclaimed director with a deep connection to Greek classical literature, returns after the groundbreaking artistic experience “The Persians – The Journey to the Field of Souls,” presented in 2023 as part of Eleusis – European Capital of Culture, to approach Medea this time with clarity and inner strength, illuminating the human dimension of the myth. The production preserves the classical axis of the text, allowing the underlying currents of powerful memory to permeate the action. The story seems to unfold through Medea’s own recollections, as images that relentlessly return: love, escape, the children, betrayal.
In the role of Medea, Karyofyllia Karabeti embodies a woman who loved completely and was driven to the ultimate rupture. Alongside her, Lazaros Georgakopoulos and Aris Lebessopoulos vividly portray the conflict between love, power, and responsibility that runs throughout the play, while Reni Pittaki, in the role of the Nurse, carries the voice of memory and the conscience of the tragedy.
Twelve actors form a unified stage ensemble, where their voices merge and function as a mirror of the heroine’s downfall. Two musicians perform live on stage, while Dimitris Kamarotos’ live music runs throughout the performance with intensity and haunting atmosphere, creating a sonic landscape that enters into dialogue with the ancient text.
Medea remains strikingly relevant. It speaks of betrayal, exile, dignity, and the ultimate point at which a human being is crushed between love and the social order. The production does not portray Medea as a “monster,” but as a conscious human being who reaches the very limits of endurance.
Director: Nikita Milivojević
Translation: Giorgos Blanas
Set Design: Sotiris Melanos
Original Music / Dramaturgy: Dimitris Kamarotos
Movement: Amalia Bennett
Costume Design: Vasiliki Syrma
Lighting Design: Nikos Vlasopoulos
Sound Design: Kostas Bokos
Serbian Translation: Nataša Mijatović
Assistant Directors: Nikos Tsimaras – Giota Seremeti
Assistant Set Designer: Sofia Theodorou
Assistant Costume Designer: Dimitra Sarri
Assistant Movement Director: Katerina Gevetzi
Assistant Directors (University of Athens Internship Programme): Penelope Pantazi, Vasiliki Chatzichampi
Starring: Karyofyllia Karabeti, Lazaros Georgakopoulos, Aris Lebessopoulos, Tasos Sotirakis, Dionysis Pifeas
In the role of the Nurse: Reni Pittaki
Chorus: Electra Kartanou, Emmanouil Kontos, Ioanna Bitouni, Katerina Daliani, Mariam Roukhatze, Nikos Tsimaras
Musicians on Stage: Stelios Katsatsidis, Vangelis Paraskevaidis
Promotional Photography: Panos Giannakopoulos
Visual Identity – Graphic Design: Dimitris Gelbouras @forbidden.designs
Video / Trailer: Eleni Katrakalidi
Photography Hair Styling: Konstantinos Koliousis
Photography Make-up: Olga Faleichyk
Production Director: Konstantina Angeletou
Production Coordinator: Xenia Kalantzi
Tour Management: Artrack Productions – Panagiotis Pantos
Production: Lykofos – G. Lykiardopoulos
Advance Ticket Sales
Kavala: Kavala Municipality Visitor Information Centre (former Hellenic Tourism Organisation – EOT), Central Square, Tel.: +30 2510 620566. Advance ticket sales are available daily from Monday, July 6, from 10:00–14:00 and 18:00–21:00. On the days of the performances, tickets will also be available at the venue’s 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 strictly prohibited.
**For another year, spectators will have the opportunity to travel to and from the Ancient Theatre of Philippi by KTEL Kavala bus upon presentation of a valid ticket for the respective theatrical performance, at a special fare of €4.40.
Departure from KTEL Kavala Bus Station is at 19:15, with return service provided after the end of the performance.
Note: Holders of complimentary named 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 Kavala Municipal and Regional Theatre (DI.PE.THE.) at +30 2510 220876, Monday to Friday, 10:00–14:00.
