Innovative group back with Balzac
This time last year, they presented a stage adaptation of the Wim Wenders’s film «Wings of Desire» inside a bus that made its way through the streets of Athens. Now, for its latest project, the recently founded Altra Terra theater company is staging Honere de Balzac’s «The Unknown Masterpiece» at the Benaki Museum. The production premiered last night and is scheduled to run until September 30. The venue for this production may not be a bus in motion, but it nevertheless remains another unorthodox project. Theatergoers will need to stand among works of art as they face the questions raised by Balzac’s work on issues such as existence, art and love. Commenting on the experience that audiences can expect, the play’s director, Grigoris Hadzakis, noted: «A course, a ride, a night at the museum – a type of theatrical tour.» Balzac’s timeless questions concerning art, presented via a meeting among three painters, act as the driving force behind this ride. «’The Unknown Masterpiece’ is the ultimate guide for anybody who wants to become involved with art; it’s a work that can also function in theatrical form,» Hadzakis explained. Altra Terra was founded two years ago. The group made its debut with Randal Viscovich’s «The Beast» at the Altera Pars Theater in Kerameikos, Athens. «The team’s nucleus has remained the same. The actors have changed. We’re interested in offering the audience a real experience – the tie between actor and theatergoer,» said Hadzakis. The stage props for Altra Terra’s latest project were designed by Danae Hatzaki. The lighting was designed by Sakis Birbilis. The music, written for the performance, is by Neon. Animation featured in the production is by Vaggelis Christodoulos. The 14-member cast includes Kleon Grigoriadis, Roza Prodromou, Makis Benakis and Byron Katritsis. Benaki Museum, 17 Vas. Sofias & 1 Koumbari, Kolonaki, tel 210.367.1000.
