The Misanthrope is one of Moliere’s finest plays, its characters masterfully deployed in a trenchant comedy that exposes the hypocrisy of every society and every age. Τhis production, by the former Artistic Director of the Greek National Theatre, Yannis Houvardas, gives us a version where anything can happen, and in Chrysa Prokopaki’s excellent new translation, words become lethal weapons in the mouths of the protagonists.
Alceste, a respected member of society, is incurably in love with Célimène. However, he cannot abide anyone else, surrounded as he is by people engaged in flattery, gossip and intrigues, hypocrisy and lies. When Alceste sees with his own eyes that his beloved lives exactly the kind of life that he despises and that she rejects the path of true love, he chooses self-exile and loneliness.
An incurably honest hero who abhors hypocrisy wins our sympathy and admiration. Through the masterful writing of the great French comic dramatist, Alceste is elevated into a symbol that reflects our own preoccupations, speaking for us while also acting clearly making a protest on behalf of the writer.
Information
ZILLER BUILDING - MAIN STAGE
Wednesday 7pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8.30pm, Sunday 7pm
creation team
-
Chrysa Prokopaki
Translation -
Yannis Houvardas
Director -
Eva Manidaki
Sets -
Ioanna Tsami
Costumes -
Stavroula Siamou
Movement -
Kornilios Selamsis
Music -
Simos Sarketzis
Lighting -
Pantelis Makkas
Video design -
Ada Pourani
Assistant director -
Dimitra Mitsaki
Second assistant director -
Ioanna Pitaouli
Second assistant director -
Eleni Arapostathi
Assistant set designer -
Alexandra Panoutsopoulou
Assistant costume designer -
Grigoris Eleftheriou
Musical associate -
Erie Kyrgia
Dramaturg