Erotokritos – Vitsentzos Kornaros

First performance: November 18, 2011

Director Stathis Livathinos selected Erotokritos, an iconic work composed by the poet Vitsentzos Kornatos, influenced by the French medieval novel Paris et Vienne, but also by the works of the Italian Renaissance, while always retaining its quintessential Hellenic approach.

The work is divided into five parts.

The first part refers to the love between Aretousa, daughter of the King of ancient Athens, Heracles, and Erotokritos, the son of his most faithful advisor. The King holds jousting competitions at the palace to entertain his sorrowful daughter, with Erotokritos emerging as the winner (part two).

Subsequently, the victorious Erotokritous, prompted by his beloved Aretousa, asks for her hand in marriage from her father, the King. The King however becomes furious, banishes Erotokritos, and imprisons his daughter after she refuses to marry another Byzantine prince (part three).

Meanwhile, a war breaks out between the Athenians and the Vlachs, in which Erotokritos fights disguised as a Saracen soldier. He emerges victorious, securing the final victory for King Heracles after a decisive duel (part four).

In the end, the King offers his entire kingdom to the unknown saviour as an expression of gratitude. However, the brave Erotokritos refuses, instead requesting the imprisoned Aretousa’s hand in marriage. Aretousa rejects the proposal until she identifies him as her beloved.

Finally, the wedding takes place, and Erotokritos is crowned king (part five).

Source: elculture.gr