The mutable nature of the theatre makes it the perfect vehicle for this innovative initiative, effecting a kind of release in a rigid environment governed by strict rules. This year, the first phase of the National Theatre of Greece’s theatre workshop, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice’s General Secretariat of Anti-crime Policy and Korydallos Prison, introduces participants to the world of David Mamet through a version of Glengarry Glen Ross adapted by the cast. The performances, the result of an integrated theoretical and practical approach, will take place in December 2018 in a special theatrical space created at the prison. Along with rehearsals, the course will include lectures on modern and classical drama, an introduction to directing and classes in writing for the theatre. Phase two will focus on a piece of ancient Greek literature.

On 15 and 16 March, the prison’s specially adapted Old Ironworks will present David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by the head of the workshop, Stratis Panourios. 

The NTG’s Artistic Director, Stathis Livathinos, notes: This year at Korydallos Prison we are tackling David Mamet, following on from Shakespeare and Chekhov in previous years, in a journey that will open prisoners’ hearts and minds and lend wings to their ideas and imagination. It is a journey that concerns all of us, more than we can imagine. Because on the way, through cooperation, compassion and creativity, the inmates of Korydallos will give us all a lesson in freedom of thought.

Production team

Translator: Giorgos Nikolopoulos

Director: Stratis Panourios

Directing assistant:  Giorgos Nikolopoulos

Acting training: Stathis Koikas

Set & costume supervision: Dionysis Xaxiris

Coordination of the drama group: Yolanda Konstantinidou (Korydallos Prison Sociologist)

Performed by members of the Korydallos Prison Theatre Group with the participation of the NTG actor Stathis Koikas.