Through the dramatic description of the family Alving, the play portrays social hypocrisy and the “ghosts” inherited from strict institutions and the often suffocating pressure of society’s class and gender rules.
Controversy and hidden pasts are suddenly and painfully exposed as wealthy widow Mrs Alving prepares to open a new orphanage in memory of her seemingly beloved husband. Her treasured son Oswald’s return from Paris and her relationship with old friend Pastor Manders are no longer the source of joy they once were, as secrets are turned into a frightening and desperate reality.
The director Nikiforos Naneris is staging a show where the play and the text itself is the protagonist. The staging could be described as classic, while still presenting a simple and modern rendition.
The role of Helene Alving is played by Mina Chimona, while Stavros Mermingis plays Pastor Manders and Konstantinos Famis plays Oswald.
To accompany the play Nikiforos Naneris has chosen excerpts from Adagio for Strings and the Medea suite by Samuel Barber, as recorded by New Yorks Filharmonic Orchestra under direction of the late Tomas Sibbers (1930-1977).
The tour will bring the play to the following towns and islands:
16/ 10/ 2011- 17/ 10/ 2011, Rodos
21/ 10/ 2011- 23/ 10/ 2011, Ioannima
04/ 11/ 2011- 06/ 11/ 2011, Agrinio
11/ 11/ 2011- 12/ 11/ 2011, Paros
19/ 11/ 2011- 20/ 11/ 2011, Syros
26/ 11/ 2011- 27/ 11/ 2011, Nafplio
03/ 12/ 2011, Kozani
04/ 12/ 2011, Veria
10/ 12/ 2011, Kalambaka
11/ 12/ 2011, Trikala
17/ 12/ 2011- 18/ 12/ 2011, Rethymno
14/ 01/ 2012- 15/ 01/ 2012, Lamia
The performance is supported by the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Institute.
The play is performed in Greek.