March 27, 1958
TRIUMPH FOR NATIONAL THEATER: Paris, 26 – Yesterday’s premiere at the Palais des Nations was one of the most important cultural events in the French capital this year. Men of the national guard were deployed outside the theater in their impressive uniforms, while the auditorium was packed with members of the diplomatic corps, politicians and artists. The Greek ambassador sat in a place of honor next to the director general of UNESCO. Euripides’ tragedy «Medea,» performed by the National Theater of Greece, kept the audience enthralled for an hour and a half, even though few of them understood Greek. The success was largely due to Katina Paxinou who played Medea with a delicate realism. The audience also warmly applauded the 15 members of the Chorus, who, under the direction of Alexis Minotis, interpreted the lyrical parts of the tragedy to the accompaniment of modern music, including percussion instruments. After the performance, the entire company received several curtain calls. Critics from the French press today expressed their joy over the Greek company’s triumph, the music of Manos Hadjidakis, and the direction of Minotis.
