MVP

Tag: Theatre

  • ArtCargo Festival Brings Diverse Street Performances to Limassol

    ArtCargo Festival Brings Diverse Street Performances to Limassol

    ArtCargo is showcasing diverse street performances across Limassol as part of its annual Performing Arts Festival. The event, which commenced this week, follows the motto “art belongs everywhere,” and features over 30 productions from 12 international collectives. The festival runs until November 15, offering a mix of physical theatre, new circus acts, media art, and site-specific performances for audiences to enjoy.

    Artcargo: Free and Accessible Performances Across the City

    ArtCargo’s vibrant festival atmosphere spills into the streets, beaches, and public squares, providing passersby, families, and curious locals with free performances. This accessibility is a key element of the festival, allowing art to reach a wider audience without barriers. From the very first day, the streets of Limassol have been alive with the sounds and sights of performers engaging with the public.

    Indoor Shows Offering Unique Experiences

    While the festival primarily takes place outdoors, there are two indoor shows that invite audiences into a more traditional theatre setting. Monad, a French collective, will perform Yin at the Pattiihio Theatre on Friday. This captivating performance combines juggling and dance, drawing inspiration from dervish movements to create a mesmerizing experience that transports the audience through space and time.

    Innovative Performances and Participatory Art

    One of the standout performances is Mission Roosevelt, presented by Tony Clifton Circus from Italy. This engaging piece, with support from the Cyprus Red Cross, invites audiences to experience the city from a unique perspective by placing them in wheelchairs to navigate the urban landscape. Scheduled for November 12-14, this participatory performance highlights themes of access and empowerment.

    On November 13, local artist Viky Kalla will showcase A Meeting-Celebration in the Old Port Square. This choreographed piece features 12 dancers and explores themes of community and connection, contributing to the festival’s overarching message of inclusivity and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Belgian collective Shadowdance is transforming the Molos basins into a dreamscape of light and shadow, with performances running daily until Sunday.

    Workshops and Public Engagement

    In addition to the performances, ArtCargo offers free workshops in movement, improvisation, and theatre led by performers such as Murmuyo, Kamchatka, and Viky Kalla. These sessions are designed for the public and not aimed at professionals, encouraging community engagement and participation in the arts.

    Moreover, the festival includes a series of public talks and workshops that focus on the future of Limassol’s public spaces. Organised in collaboration with Lemesos2030, OPU Collective (Organisation for Positive Urbanism), and Critical Mass, these events aim to foster dialogue among citizens, urban thinkers, and artists about how to reimagine and shape their shared urban environments.

    A Grand Finale to Remember

    The ArtCargo Festival will culminate on November 15 with a spectacular finale at the historical KEAN Factory. Here, Italian vertical theatre innovators eVenti Verticali will present CUBO, an awe-inspiring aerial performance featuring a 7-metre-high metal cube suspended in mid-air. Following this breathtaking display, attendees can enjoy the ArtCargo Closing Party, which will feature the Cypriot DJ duo Aparapira Parape, along with food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.

    Join the Celebration of Art

    ArtCargo’s commitment to bringing diverse street performances to Limassol reflects the festival’s dedication to making art accessible to all. With a rich programme of events scheduled through November 15, residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a celebration of creativity and community. For more details, the full programme is available on the festival’s official website: artcargofest.com.

  • Mitsikouri Festival Brings 11 Exciting Performances for Children

    Mitsikouri Festival Brings 11 Exciting Performances for Children

    mitsikouri festival — The Mitsikouri Festival, officially known as the Mitsikouri International Performing Arts Festival for Children and Young People, promises an engaging experience with 11 performances from 9 countries. Scheduled from October 11 to 19, this vibrant festival will be held across multiple cities in Cyprus, including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Lefkara.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    This year marks the festival’s second edition, continuing its mission to provide dedicated performances for children and families. Following the success of its inaugural event, the festival returns under the theme ‘Discovering’, offering a diverse range of productions that cater to children of all ages.

    The festival’s programme showcases an array of artistic expressions, including theatre, dance, music, object theatre, and contemporary circus performances. Many of these productions have been featured at esteemed international festivals focused on children and young audiences. Notably, the majority of the performances are non-verbal, making them accessible and enjoyable for children from various backgrounds.

    According to the festival organisers, the initiative aims to connect the Cypriot public and local artistic community with global contemporary trends in performing arts for children. “The festival is designed to create unique experiences for the whole family,” they state, highlighting its family-oriented approach.

    In addition to the performances, the festival will offer a parallel programme that includes workshops, lectures, seminars, discussions, and other engaging activities. These events are intended for children, parents, educators, and arts professionals, enriching the overall experience of the festival.

    This year’s festival also features collaborations with notable institutions like the National Betting Authority and Nicosia Bookfest, as well as partnerships with two candidate cities vying for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Furthermore, all international productions are presented under the auspices of the respective embassies in Cyprus.

    Participating countries include The Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Cyprus, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Ireland. With just over a month remaining until the festival kicks off, the full schedule of performances can be found on the festival’s official website, and tickets are currently available for purchase via the SoldOut platform.

  • Rialto theatre — Rialto Theatre Unveils Exciting New Season with Diverse Programme

    Rialto theatre — Rialto Theatre Unveils Exciting New Season with Diverse Programme

    The Rialto Theatre kicks off a vibrant new season filled with a dynamic programme that promises to engage audiences throughout September.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    • The Rialto Theatre kicks off a vibrant new season filled with a dynamic programme that promises to engage audiences throughout September.
    • For those eager to experience the diverse events at the Rialto Theatre, more information can be found at www.rialto.com.cy.

    Rialto theatre: Outdoor Cinema Experience

    As the summer sun sets, the SEK parking area behind the theatre will transform into an open-air cinema, showcasing award-winning and independent films subtitled in Greek and English. The cinematic journey begins on September 5 with a special screening of the French film The Marching Band, which clinched the Best Comedy Award from the European Film Academy. This poignant narrative follows two brothers, separated by fate but reunited through the power of music.

    A Month Full of Films

    Following the launch, film enthusiasts can look forward to a series of captivating screenings. On September 7, the award-winning Italian film There’s Still Tomorrow will take the spotlight, followed by the Greek film Kyuka: Before Summer’s End on September 9. The cinematic offerings continue with The Mohican on September 10 and conclude with Dog on Trial on September 12.

    Theatre Takes Centre Stage

    Shifting from film to theatre, on September 14, the Rialto Theatre will host the heartwarming Cypriot production of Franz Kafka’s Doll. Directed by Kostas Silvestros with dramaturgy by Stavros Stavrou, this touching play is based on a true story about Kafka and a little girl who lost her doll. The production is designed to resonate with audiences of all ages through music, letters, and a universal language that transcends barriers.

    A Night of Music and Inspiration

    The following night, world-renowned guitarist Hernan Romero will grace the stage, accompanied by a talented ensemble of international and local musicians, as well as esteemed tango champions. This performance promises to be a captivating display of passion and energy. Just two days later, on September 17, the theatre will welcome Elio D’Anna, a best-selling author and philosopher, for a thought-provoking event. D’Anna, known for his book The School for Gods, will share his insights on leadership and the power of dreaming, with presentations in English and simultaneous translations available.

    Choreographic Highlights

    As September draws to a close, the stage will host a unique collaboration between dancer Elena Antoniou and musician Maria Spivak. Their performance, ODE, will take place on September 27 at 8.30pm and again on September 28 at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. This choreographic display promises to be a fitting finale to a month brimming with cultural offerings.

    For those eager to experience the diverse events at the Rialto Theatre, more information can be found at www.rialto.com.cy.

  • Cyprus history: Reviving Cyprus’ Archaeological Legacy Through Interdisciplinary Theatre

    Cyprus history: Reviving Cyprus’ Archaeological Legacy Through Interdisciplinary Theatre

    cyprus history — cyprus history — Bringing the history of Cyprus to life, the Performing Collections Performing Archives project aims to explore and present untold stories surrounding the Swedish Cyprus Expedition of 1927-1931. This venture, initiated by theatre scholar Ellada Evangelou and museologist Despo Pasia, seeks to intertwine archaeological research with performing arts, enriching the dialogue about colonialism and identity in Cyprus.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Cyprus history: Unearthing the Past: The Swedish Cyprus Expedition

    Between 1927 and 1931, the Swedish Cyprus Expedition excavated over 20 archaeological sites across Cyprus, laying the groundwork for the island’s archaeological studies. Key figures such as Einar Gjerstad, John Lindros, Erik Sjöqvist, and Alfred Westholm were pivotal in this venture. However, nearly a century later, the impact of their work remains underappreciated.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    A Spark of Inspiration

    At a workshop at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (Nimac), Evangelou discovered photographs from the expedition that ignited her interest. She recalls, “These pictures among other photographs from the first half of the 20th century going into the 60s and we were discussing issues of colonialism and identity in Cyprus… these pictures really started to speak to me.”

    Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Action

    Collaborating with Pasia, the duo conceptualised the Performing Collections Performing Archives project to merge their disciplines. “We wanted to try and figure out how these two can come together,” Pasia notes, highlighting the importance of exploring the intersection of archaeology and theatre in contemporary discussions surrounding colonialism.

    From Archives to Performance

    The project takes a unique approach by combining archival research, interviews with descendants of the expedition’s workers, and interdisciplinary discussions. The aim is to create theatre performances, narrative audio tours, and educational programmes that delve into hidden narratives within Cyprus’ archaeological history.

    Highlighting Untold Stories

    The project’s first phase, running from 2023 to 2024, focuses on the lesser-known stories of the expedition’s workers. It features performances such as “[In]Credible Histӧries: The Process,” scheduled for April 2024 at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, and “[In]Credible Histӧries: A Promenade Devised Theatre Performance” on International Museum Day in May 2025.

    Voices from the Past

    Evangelou emphasises the importance of giving voice to those often overlooked in historical narratives. “We did a large amount of creative writing; for the text of the performance we focused on the locals and we gave a voice to the people, especially the workers or the villagers,” she explains. The project leans heavily on the wealth of archival documentation available, with close to 14,000 photographs that illuminate the context and lives of the people involved.

    Continuing the Journey: Phase Two

    Currently entering its second phase (2025-2026), the project shifts focus to the interactions between Cypriots and Swedes before, during, and after the expedition. A promenade-style theatre performance is set for March 2025 at the Medieval History Museum in Stockholm, promising to bring historical figures back into the spotlight.

    Bridging Generations

    This phase will include interactions with descendants of those involved in the expedition, revealing the human side of historical events. “It’s not just the practices of these people, it’s their whole life, their choices, their feelings, their struggles,” Pasia explains.

    Reconstructing Historical Narratives

    The duo is committed to uncovering the origins of the expedition, weaving together myth and reality. Evangelou recounts the intriguing anecdote of how Loukis Pierides, the Cypriot consul of Sweden, persuaded Gjerstad to explore Cyprus during a chance train encounter in 1923. This narrative exemplifies the intersection of personal stories and larger historical movements.

    The Importance of Context

    With collaboration from the department of antiquities, workshops have been developed around artefacts, adding depth and nuance to the project. “We have added a fourth one, which is direct interviews and collaborations with the descendants of the archaeologists,” Evangelou states, underscoring the project’s commitment to enriching its narrative fabric.

    Future Aspirations and Educational Initiatives

    As the project progresses, plans for an audio guide and educational materials are underway, aiming to create a comprehensive cultural product that resonates with contemporary audiences. “This project is there as a cultural product, it has this richness, it has all these voices,” Evangelou remarks.

    Rethinking the Role of Museums

    Pasia offers a critical perspective on the evolution of museums, suggesting that they must adapt to remain relevant. “If you want the museum, the story to be relevant, it has to go into things that may seem unpleasant but nevertheless are reality,” she asserts, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse narrative in museum settings.

  • Celebrate Cyprus Traditions at Upcoming Village Festivals

    Celebrate Cyprus Traditions at Upcoming Village Festivals

    cyprus traditions — Bursting with local flavour, several traditional festivals celebrating Cyprus traditions are set to enliven weekends this September. The 8th Cypriot Theatre Festival will take place in Alonia, Palodia village, from September 1 to 7, offering a week of cultural enrichment.

    Cyprus traditions: Dramatic Revelations in Palodia

    Starting each evening at 8.30pm, the festival will feature performances that delve into the rich tapestry of Cypriot life, both historical and contemporary. With a blend of satire and humour, these shows promise to evoke a spectrum of emotions while keeping the theatrical traditions of Cyprus vibrant. Admission to the performances is free, and attendees can enjoy snacks and drinks available at the venue.

    Sweet Delights at the Honey Pie Festival

    On September 5, the charm of Potami village will be on full display with its annual Honey Pie Festival (Choros tis Pittas tou Meliou). The event, hosted at the former primary school of the village, will commence at 8pm and features live music, traditional dancing, and of course, honey-drenched pies crafted by local bakers.

    For just €20, adults can indulge in a lavish buffet of local dishes, enjoy Cypriot drinks, and savour the famous honey pies. Children aged 6-12 can enter for €10, making it a family-friendly occasion filled with entertainment and community spirit.

    A Folkloric Extravaganza in Athienou

    Simultaneously, the Vasilitzia Folklore Group will host the 8th Folk Festival, also starting on September 5. This vibrant three-day event will feature participants from Cyprus, Spain, and Poland, showcasing a variety of dance traditions from around Europe.

    The festival kicks off on the first evening in Athienou’s Konstantinio Municipal Park, before moving to the Finikoudes stages in Larnaca on September 6, and concluding at the Mathiati Municipal Park on September 7. Each evening will commence at 8pm and is free of charge, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in diverse cultural expressions.

    Festival Highlights

    • 8th Cypriot Theatre Festival: September 1-7, Alonia tis Palodias, Limassol district, 8.30pm, Free. Tel: 25-775800
    • Honey Pie Festival: September 5, Potami village, 8pm, €20 for adults, €10 for children aged 6-12. Tel: 97-603473
    • 8th Folk Festival: September 5-7, Athienou, Larnaca, and Mathiatis, 8pm, Free. www.vasilitzia.org.cy