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The National Theatre of Greece makes its Hong Kong debut with an interpretation of one of the country's greatest classical dramas "Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound", from November 1-3. The world premiere of this ancient Greek tragedy is a must for drama fans.
Prometheus Bound, first staged in 465 BC, was written by Aeschylus, the father of Greek tragedy. The upcoming performances will be a new adaptation directed by Sotiris Hatzakis.
It tells the tragic tale of the titan Prometheus. As punishment for giving language, art, crafts, agriculture, and most importantly, stealing fire from Zeus, ruler of the gods, Prometheus is bound to a rock at Mount Caucasus where his liver is pecked out by an eagle. As Prometheus is immortal, each day his liver renews itself and the torture begins again. Later, when he refuses to disclose the identity of the woman who will overthrow Zeus, the god strikes him with a thunderbolt sending Prometheus to the underworld. Courage, suffering, and the tragic glory of defying the gods are all reflected upon in this work.
The National Theatre of Greece is renowned for its unique theatrical language that utilises both old and new stage techniques to explore ancient Greek drama. The show will give Hong Kong audiences a rare opportunity to enjoy the costumes, chorus and special atmosphere that define this genre.
Established in 1900, the National Theatre has succeeded in moulding a powerful theatrical tradition encompassing ancient Greek drama and an international classical repertoire as well as contemporary Greek and international theatre. Its goal is to be a modern theatre that is rigorous in its artistic and qualitative standards, open to Europe and the rest of the world, and responsive to the requirements of our age. Today, the National Theatre consists of five separate companies: the Central Theatre and Kotopouli Theatre, which are dedicated to classic and contemporary drama; the New Theatre, which provides young artists with a voice and seeks to promote contemporary and postmodern theatre; the Experimental Theatre, whose goals include researching, exploring and experimenting with new forms of on-stage expression; and the Children's Theatre.
"Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound", one of the highlights of the Mediterranean Arts Festival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be staged from November 1 to 3 at 7.30pm at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. It will be presented in Greek with English and Chinese subtitles.
Tickets priced at $450, $300 and $150 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Booking discounts of up to 20% are available.
An "Ancient Greek Drama Costume Exhibition" will run from October 25 until November 3 at the Hong Kong City Hall Low Block Exhibition Hall. Admission is free. Exhibits include a stunning collection of ancient Greek drama costumes featured in classics such as "The Persians" (1947), "Prometheus Bound" (1963), "Trojan Women" (1963), "Medea" (1976) and "Ion" (2003). Also on show are masks, wigs, accessories and props. The exhibition charts the changes and development of costumes for both protagonists and choruses. Not to be missed are rare photographs, posters and video excerpts of works staged by the National Theatre of Greece past to present.
Programme brochures are now available at URBTIX outlets or at the website www.medifestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044. Telephone reservations can be made on 2734 9009.
Ends/Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:11
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