– 2020 –
Character: Dionysos
Instruments Played: Birbyne, Various Flutes
Contribution: Devised and Premiered
Premiered in: Ancient Theater of Philippi, Greece
Bacchae – Body Without Body
Bacchae – Body Without Body was a deeply evocative theatrical experience born from the challenges of an uncertain time. With five actors, four axes, three languages, and one stage, this performance brought a fresh perspective to the timeless Bacchae myth, exploring the profound contradictions between the divine and human realms.
A Journey Through Time and Space
The production was created and rehearsed in a variety of locations, each adding its own energy to the work:
- Rehearsals: The work took shape in diverse spaces, including the intimate setting of Athens’ Sfendoni Theater, the majestic Ancient Theater of Dodona, and the remote village of Kapesovo in the Epirus mountains, all of which enriched the performance’s development.
- Premiere: The production premiered at the Archaeological Site of Philippi, blending ancient history with modern storytelling to create an immersive, reflective experience that resonated with both the myth and the challenges of the present day.
Exploring Transformation and Chaos
Through the journey of key characters, the performance delved into the mythical and spiritual dimensions of the Bacchae myth:
- Penthea’s Journey: Her arc from unholiness to sanctity, delusion to enlightenment, and pride to sorrow, capturing the complexities of human transformation.
- Agave’s Transformation: From ecstatic empowerment to overwhelming madness, embodying the raw power and chaos of the female goddess.
- The Untamed Wild: A representation of humanity’s untamed nature, symbolized by the dismembered body, the body without form, and the fragmented pieces of existence.
A Dance of Longing and Unity
At its heart, Bacchae – Body Without Body reflected humanity’s struggle for unity and wholeness. Through song, movement, and narrative, the performance explored the fragility of human and divine connections, resonating with the themes of longing and the search for meaning, even in the face of fragmentation.
Creative Team
- Director: Rinio Kyriazi
- Assistant Director: Areti Polymenidis
- Cast: Julianna Bloodgood, Rafal Habel-Bloodgood, Irene Koumparoulis, Kostas Sevdalis, Rinio Kyriazi
This production stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity that allowed art to evolve and thrive in uncertain times, leaving a lasting impact on both performers and audiences alike.