DistantNews
Support us
Christos Theodoridis: How do you mourn in the age of trolls?
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Christos Theodoridis: How do you mourn in the age of trolls?

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Greek director Christos Theodoridis is staging Aeschylus' "The Persians" at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, exploring themes of collective experience and the consequences of power.
  • Theodoridis, known for contemporary works, was initially hesitant about ancient drama but found inspiration in "The Persians," seeing its relevance to modern anxieties about distant tragedies and the flow of information.
  • His production features a diverse chorus representing a populace affected by leadership decisions, with actors portraying Atossa, Darius, and Xerxes as agents of politically consequential choices.

Director Christos Theodoridis is bringing Aeschylus' ancient tragedy "The Persians" to the stage at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a production that delves into the weight of collective experience and the repercussions of political decisions. Theodoridis, whose recent work has focused on contemporary issues and personal narratives, approaches this classical text with a fresh perspective, aiming to bridge the gap between ancient drama and modern sensibilities.

Let's call it fear. But that doesn't mean I was afraid to engage with the genre. More that I didn't understand it.

— Christos TheodoridisThe director explaining his initial hesitation towards ancient Greek tragedy.

Initially, Theodoridis expressed a sense of "fear" regarding ancient tragedy, not out of apprehension but a perceived lack of understanding. He found that while he was intellectually drawn to the genre and had knowledgeable teachers, many performances left him feeling disconnected. He described feeling as though he were watching familiar stories within a rigid framework of theatrical conventions that failed to truly communicate with the audience.

However, a re-reading of "The Persians" in a translation by Panagiotis Moullas during a trip to his hometown of Thessaloniki proved transformative. "I read them again, this time with different eyes, and I remember being moved from the first reading," Theodoridis explained. The play stayed with him for five years before the opportunity to direct it arose, an opportunity he eagerly embraced.

I read them again, this time with different eyes, and I remember being moved from the first reading. The play stayed with me for five years.

— Christos TheodoridisThe director describing the moment he connected with Aeschylus' 'The Persians'.

In Theodoridis' interpretation, the chorus is not composed of venerable elders as described in the original text. Instead, it comprises individuals of various ages, genders, and backgrounds, embodying a populace that observes the decisions of those in power and ultimately bears their cost. The central figures, Queen Mother Atossa, played by Maria Nafpliotou; Darius, portrayed by Dimitris Katalifos; and particularly Xerxes, embodied by Anastasis Roilos, are presented as "carriers of political choices that have consequences," according to Theodoridis. Xerxes' return from Salamis, depicted as broken and destitute, underscores that his lamentation does not absolve him of responsibility for the disastrous outcomes of his actions.

Xerxes, embodied by Anastasis Roilos, are carriers of political choices that have consequences.

— Christos TheodoridisThe director discussing the portrayal of key characters in his production of 'The Persians'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog