For his sophomore appearance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, director Aris Biniaris continues his research on ancient tragedy with a new production of Prometheus Bound. The actors draw on the rhythmical qualities of the poetic text, converting them into stage action through their bodies and voices. Against the backdrop of a pulsating, live soundscape, the performers bring to life the characters of an age-old but invariably timely story. “A story that can be perceived as a bleak commentary on the present or as a bright hope for the future”, in the director’s own words. Yannis Stankoglou portrays the title character, a timeless symbol of resistance to power.
Prometheus Bound _ Artists
Translated by: Giorgos Blanas
Directed by: Aris Biniaris
Musical composition: Fotis Siotas
Set design: Magdalini Avgerinou
Costume design: Vasiliki Syrma
Lighting design: Alekos Anastasiou
Movement – Choreography: Evi Oikonomou
Dramaturgy consultant: Elena Triantafyllopoulou
Metrical analysis of original text: Kaiti Diamantakou
Scientific associate: Katerina Diakoumopoulou
Assistant to the director: Dora Xagorari
Assistant to the set designer: Xenia Papatriantafyllou
Assistant to the costume designer: Alexandros Garnavos
Assistant to the lighting designer: Nafsika Christodoulakou
Props – Sculptures: Dimitra Kaisari Workshop
Make-up artist: Evi Zafeiropoulou
Production manager: Stella Giovani
Executive producers: Vasileia Taskou, Anna Pasparaki
Cast: Yannis Stankoglou (Prometheus), Aris Biniaris (Kratos), Konstantinos Georgalis (Via / Follower of Oceanus & Hermes), David Malteze (Hephaestus / Follower of Oceanus & Hermes), Alekos Syssovitis (Oceanus), Nancy Boukli (Io), Ioannis Papazisis (Hermes), Katerina Dimati (Follower of Kratos & Via), Grigoria Metheniti (Follower of Kratos & Via)
Chorus: Katerina Dimati, Fiona Georgiadi, Dafni Kiourktsoglou, Grigoria Metheniti, Alexia Sapranidou, Thaleia Stamatelou, Dimitra Vitta, Eleni Vlachou
On-stage musician: Stamatis Fousekis (double bass, effects)
Produced by: Poreia Theatre
Co-produced by: Municipal and Regional Theatre of Crete
Director’s Note
Prometheus’ heart-wrenching and ceaselessly escalating attempt to resist Zeus’s authoritarian system of tyranny is like an arrow that pierces through the heart of the dramatic events, before it finally finds its target at the very end. The aspect of the suffering god-prophet looms, exposed to the bleakness of a desolate land, in the craggy exile of his heinous shackles, a precipice of detention, punishment and dishonour. Prometheus’ impulses are ignited by the culmination of the sovereign’s cruelty and intractability in the face of anyone who dares to defy the decisions of the monarchy. Like a beacon of unquenchable exultation that refuses to subside or die down, the hero constantly self-combusts, triggering a reflexive awakening. Advocating for self-actualisation, emancipation and the ultimate release from the destructive jealousy of cruel leaders, he constantly rebuffs Zeus’ demands for compliance. Using fiery, prophetic, often pointed and sometimes compassionate language, he calls upon us to connect with our inner source of existential grievance, capable of overturning any long-standing tyranny and questioning its God-given status.
Zeus’ retort is devastating. Through his representatives, he either demands blind faith in his decisions or compulsory collusion in his devious schemes. Every member of the ruling class reveals, through their presence, the dark ways of the sovereign and confirms the heartless nature of the tyrant. Instruments of power, opportunist advisors and subservient volunteers, accompanied by guards or subordinates, communicate ultimatums, amplifying the delineation of a merciless institutional hierarchy. The Oceanids look upon Prometheus’ painful efforts and the trajectory of the tyrant’s tactics. They seek out the incandescent soul of the prophet in his place of confinement and listen to his ruminations. They wonder whether it’s worth fighting for change when there’s such a hefty price to pay.
They rage over Oceanus’ opportunism and slowly recognise the arbitrary roar of the sovereign. Lastly, they behold the maiden Io, driven to madness by the gadfly, and they tune into the convulsions of her tragic fate. Her tortured, dispensable body, mercilessly ravaged by the tyrant, is the final proof of Zeus’ brutality. Hermes’ final commands add insult to injury, irrevocably convincing them of Prometheus’ sound logic. The Oceanids’ final decision to hurl themselves into the bleak depths of Tartarus is a declaration of their emotional shift, a moving show of bravery that transcends fear. The time has come for the flaming arrows of Prometheus’ impulses to finally meet their target. As a vessel of dramatic insight and a visionary of hope, Prometheus prepares to hurl himself into Tartarus. His fall is a lofty provocation, an incessant stimulation that tellingly escalates the clash between the unrelenting prophet and the ruthless, implacable tyrant.
Aris Biniaris
➤ Friday 9 August, 21.00
General admission: € 20
Discounted admission: € 15 (people with disabilities, university students, unemployed, children)