Title: The Persians presented by the National Theater
Location: Dora Stratou Theater – Philopappou Hill
Description: \”The Persians\”, is unique among Greek tragedies, and is presented by the National Theater directed by the internationally acclaimed director Dimiter Gotcheff.
Dimiter Gotcheff already has to his credit the superb performance of \”The Persians\” that went on stage at the Berlin Deutsches Theatre-which was considered the top performance for that year, according to the authoritative magazine Theater Heute. Through this play, the director not only fulfills an old dream of his, but once again confronts one of Aeschylus’s plays, continuing the exploration of ancient tragedy and suggesting a new approach, aided by some of the most important Greek actors.
“The Persians“, the only tragedy that has been saved, which centers in a historic fact and not a mythic episode, as it deals with the impact that the overwhelming defeat of the Persians in the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC had on the Persian Empire. The shocking description of the Persian fleet\’s destruction by the messenger, the Persian\’s pain for their defeat and the return of a humiliated Xerxis, put together one of the most important anti-war plays of all time.
Susa is in a state of unrest. The Chorus expresses fears concerning the expedition against the Greeks. Queen Atossa relates an ominous dream, intensifying the suspense. A messenger arrives, announcing the crushing defeat of the Persians at Salamis. The Chorus invokes the help of the dead King Darius. At the end of the tragedy Xerxes himself appears, having survived the defeat for which he was responsible.
The Persians is the world’s oldest surviving drama, a tragedy uniquely based not on mythology but on a historical event, the defeat of the Persians at the battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
Admission: €10,00
Tickets will be available at the following points:
* Cultural Centre of the City of Athens (50 Academias st) Monday through Friday 10:00-16:00 (tel. 210 3612920)
* \”Technopolis\” (Peireos 100) Monday through Sunday 10:00-10:00 (tel. 3475518)
* \”Dora Stratou\” theatre, only for the day\’s performance 19:30-21:00
Contact information:
210 3621601, 210 3630706, 210 3612920, 1595
Place: \”Dora Stratou\” Theatre
Address: Filopappou Hill
Start Time: 20:30
Date: 2009-09-02