Ritsos admirers get a double treat at the Eleftheri Ekfrasi
A special treat is in store for those who love the work of Yiannis Ritsos. Christos Tsangas is starring in a double bill of Ritsos at Mary Inglesi’s Eleftheri Ekfrasi Theater, starting today. This will be the first production ever of «Ajax,» and the first time a male actor has played the female role in «Moonlight Sonata.» There is a story behind both choices. It was Ritsos himself who asked Tsangas to play his «Ajax» after seeing the actor play «Philoctetes,» a wish not to be fulfilled in his lifetime. Tsangas has added an excerpt from Sophocles’s «Ajax» to the performance. Ajax’s last words at the moment of his death will be heard through the voice of his wife, played by Mary Inglesi. As for having a man play the role of the old woman in «Moonlight Sonata,» Tsangas explains: «After a certain age, gender differences fade, and what is left is the essence. What we see here is the poem that emerges from human pain. These two poems are monologues of pure theater.» In this production the role of the young man will be played by a young woman, Dora Thomopoulou. Why put two such different plays together? They share the notion of enclosure, says Tsangas: «Both characters are besieged. The aunt is closed in on herself. She is moving sadly toward decline as her life slips away, while Ajax is besieged by himself, bravely facing a death he has chosen.» The work of Ritsos is as meaningful to audiences today as it ever was, says Tsangas. His poetry, which was banned during the colonels’ dictatorship, is now taught in schools, and retains its popularity with pupils. Direction is by Christos Tsangas, costumes and sets are by Andreas Sarantopoulos, and music and lighting are by Menelaos Anagnostou. There is an exhibition of books, articles, paintings and photographs connected with Ritsos in the foyer of the theater, which Inglesi has designed for cultural events. Some parallel events will take place during the plays’ run, including screenings of short films taken of Ritsos in the prime of his life and again toward the end. The Eleftheri Ekfrasi is keen to attract children and young audiences, says Inglesi, and folders of educational material and activities are available for every production. «Ajax» and «Moonlight Sonata» will be staged Wednesday at 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. Eleftheri Ekfrasi Theater, 212 Patission & 8 Lesvou, tel 010.86.45.400.
