Cultural collaboration puts ‘La Strada’ on the road
A collaboration between three culture vehicles in the city of Volos, the Municipal Theater, the Musical Theater Center, and the Organization for the Arts (known for developing a rich local musical infrastructure) will be solidified this season with a production of La Strada. Based on the celebrated film by Federico Fellini, the play is produced by all three. The idea of reviving Fellini’s film for the stage belongs to actress Titika Stasinopoulou, who also takes the leading role. The play premiered in Veria on August 22 and is scheduled to reach a number of other cities around the country. On September 10, it will be presented at the Herod Atticus Theater in Athens. ‘La Strada’ is the most deeply human story I have ever read. It’s about the need for love, companionship and understanding; it’s also about believing that we are not alone. It is the story of a group of people who are constantly on the road. They travel the world as wandering artists, simply trying to live their lives as life itself dictates, said Yiannis Diamandopoulos, the play’s director. Based on a revised version of the film’s original script (written by Tulio Spinelo and Ennio Flaiano), the play was adapted for the stage by Stasinopoulou. Panos Papadopoulos created the set and costume designs, while composer Nikos Kipourgos orchestrated the adaptation of Nino Rota’s musical score. Starring alongside Stasinopoulou are Spyros Fokas and Giorgos Ninios. In the ensuing years, the going was rough, right from the start with the school’s first performance which was postponed due to rain. Disagreements arose with the Metropolitan Opera, where the Company was acting as its official ballet, while various companies were formed and dissolved. World War II saw Kirstein in the army and Balanchine back at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. After the war, the dedicated duo formed the Ballet Society. Following a performance at New York City’s Center for Music and Drama, Morton Baum, then chairman of City Center’s Finance Committee, suggested that he transform the ensemble into the New York City Ballet.
