A worthy opening to Greek drama festival

Iphigenia in Tauris, opening the 11th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama, on Wednesday July 4

On Wednesday this week the 11th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama commenced at the Paphos Ancient Odeon with the Cyprus Theatre Organisation’s (THOC) presentation of a technically breathtaking production of Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides.

This version, translated by K.Ch. Myris with direction and movement by Yannis Margaritis, enhanced the strong work of the actors by presenting a chorus of meticulous movement and emotion; complemented by the music of Thanos Mikroutsikos and some brilliant percussion by George Koulas and Marios Nicolaou. This professional company never ceases to impress by its ability to travel yet present such brilliant lighting and sound for such a complex presentation.

The Iphigenia of Stela Firogeni was riveting and in true Greek declamatory style, what an Electra this actress would be. Her Orestes and his cousin Pylades, played by Neoklis Neokleous and Achilleas Grammatikopoulis, boldly denounced their text yet brought tenderness to the scene of recognition between Iphigenia and Orestes. King Thoas was played by Andonis Katsaris, giving another of his well-rounded interpretations of evil that was only reconciled by the dramatic appearance of Athena played by Margarita Zachariou.

Again the clever use of earth, fire and water played an integral part in the atmosphere of this melodrama. Special mention must also be made of the dramatic costumes designed by Stavros Antonopoulos and the setting by Andy Bargilly, with its surprising transformation for the appearance of Athena. A worthy opening to this season of Ancient Greek Drama.

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