The Suppliants – Euripides

First performance: July 5, 2019 — Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The National Theatre of Greece and the Cyprus Theatre Organisation join forces to produce a new staging of Euripides’ iconic tragedy about war, its dead, existential anguish, dignity and female endurance.

Euripides’ Suppliants is an ode to Athens, to democracy and its leaders and citizens, its humanity and insight reverberating through the ages.

53 years since its only staging by the National Theatre (1966) directed by Takis Mouzenidis and 39 years since its first performance by the Cyprus Theatre Organisation at Epidaurus (1980) directed by Nikos Charalambous, the tragedy is directed by the Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece Stathis Livathinos, in a venture built on the collaboration of artists from Greece and Cyprus.

The translation for this new production was assigned to the poet Giorgos Koropoulis, while the sets and costumes were designed by world-renowned Cypriot set designer George Souglides. The musical composition was undertaken by Angelos Triantafyllou, the lighting design by Alekos Anastasiou, the choreography by Fotis Nikolaou and the musical training by Melina Peonidou.

The mothers of the Argive generals who lost their lives in Thebes fighting at the side of Polynices visit the altar of Demeter at Eleusis as Suppliants. They are joined by Adrastus, King of Argos, who was also the leader of the controversial campaign. They ask for the help of the King of Athens, Theseus because, in a major violation of Greek ethos, the Thebans have kept the bodies of the dead and do not allow them to be buried.

Responding to their just request, Theseus prepares to send a message to the King of Thebes, Creon, but he is overtaken by the arrival of a Theban Herald, bringing Creon’s own message to the Athenian king: He asks him to expel Adrastus and the mothers, otherwise Athens will be attacked. Theseus leads the Athenian army against the Thebans and brings the dead generals to Eleusis where they burn them offering them the proper tributes. In a delirious state, Evadni rushes into the fire and is burned together with her husband, Kapaneas. Mothers and children make their way home carrying the ashes of their loved ones.

Written in 422 BC, the tragedy echoes the events of the battle at Delium two years earlier, in 424 BC, when the Thebans — Sparta’s allies — defeated the Athenians and did not allow them to collect and bury their dead for days.

Tour Schedule:
July 11-14, Nicosia, Makarios III Amphitheatre
July 17-18, Limassol, Ancient Theatre of Kourion
July 20, Larnaca, Pattihio Municipal Amphitheatre
August 30, Thessaloniki, Forest Theatre
September 2, Veakio Municipal Theatre
September 5, Odeon of Herodes Atticus
September 11, Koropi, Dexameni Theatre
September 15, Elefsina, Old Olive Mill Open Theatre

Πηγή: National Theatre of Greece