Hatzakis’s take on ‘The Birds’ set to open at Epidaurus
A story mixing elements of utopia, anarchy and loss goes on stage this week, with Sotiris Hatzakis directing Aristophanes’ «Birds.» The play, a Greek Festival production, opens at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus on August 14 and 15, followed by performances at the International Festival of Ancient Olympia on August 17 and the Vrachon Theater in Vyronas on August 19. Hatzakis, who was recently appointed artistic director of the National Theater of Northern Greece (NTNG), is putting forward his own take. The performance focuses on a community of wandering acrobats who dream of flying, before they become members of a society and a new political system which eventually shatters their hopes and dreams. Comedy and satire reign throughout this play that gradually darkens, as the ideals of a revolution become a story of submission. The productions unite three generations of comedians, among them Giorgos Armenis, Alexandros Mylonas, Vassilis Charalambopoulos and Chryssa Ropa. The production is based on a translation by K.C. Myris, with set design by Ersi Drini, costumes by Yiannis Metzikoff and choreography by Dimitris Sotiriou. For the Epidaurus performances on August 14 and 15, tickets can be purchased at the Greek Festival box office (39 Panepistimiou, tel 210.327.2000) or online at www.greekfestival.gr. For information and tickets for the August 17 performance at the International Festival of Ancient Olympia, call 26240.29011, 26240.23778 or visit www.olympiafestival.eu. For information and tickets for the August 19 performance at the Vrachon Theater, call 210.760.9340 or visit www.festivalbyrona.gr.
