Musical and oral tribute to Yiannis Ritsos at Megaron
Actress Nonika Galinea will return to the stage after a three-year absence to play in one of two performances being staged by the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) on January 28 and 29 in a tribute to the eminent Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos. In the first part of the program – which is the same on both nights – singer Nena Venetsanou and pianist Tassos Karakatsanis will perform eight songs from «Epitaph,» a series of songs written by Mikis Theodorakis to the lyrics of Ritsos. «Every time I sing ‘Epitaph,’ it is a new experience,» said Venetsanou at a recent press conference. «The way Ritsos transforms death into a song of life is marvelous.» The second part of the program is dedicated to «Phaedra,» a monologue from the poetry collection «The Fourth Dimension,» written by Ritsos in 1974, which he dedicated to the artist Yiannis Tsarouchis. This work is inspired by the ancient myth of Phaedra, and Galinea will be interpreting the title role. At the press conference, Galinea expressed her deep admiration for the poet’s work, adding that her sense of familiarity with him also has to do with the fact that they both come from the Mani region. Furthermore, Galinea has performed the poet’s «Moonlight Sonata» at the Small Theater of Epidaurus. The Athens Concert Hall performance of «Phaedra» is directed by Vassilis Nikolaidis, sets and costumes are designed by Nikos Petropoulos and joining Galinea on stage are Yiannis Kranas and Alexandros Stavrou. Tickets for the January 28 performance are already sold out. «Epitaph» and «Phaedra» will be performed on January 28 and 29 at the Athens Concert Hall, 1 Kokkali & Vas. Sofias, tel 010.728.2000, www.megaron.gr
