Greek medicine students have been twisting their minds to interpret Peer Gynt, one of Henrik Ibsen's most challenging plays. You can expect a performance filled with both tension and hilarious wit when the students enter the stage at Chora Theater from May 26.
– We were told that working with Peer Gynt would teach us a lot about the Norwegian culture. I find that it is telling us just as much about our society in Greece, says medical student and actor Petros Pitsounis.
The Theatrical Group of the Medical School of Athens is now in its 18th year and is doing a Henrik Ibsen play for the first time. 23 students have been working on Peer Gynt (1867) since October to be ready for the premiere May 26.
This is the fourth time Peer Gynt is performed at a Greek stage. None of the involved in bringing the Ibsen play to Greece are getting paid for their work. Recently, the group lost their main funder due to the current financial situation in Greece.
– We are all doing this because it is a passion, Pitsounis says.
In Peer Gynt you will follow Peer’s adventures. He is a character who runs from commitment, and who is selfish, having little concern for the sacrifices that others are forced to make to satisfy him. The self-centered protagonist suggests social implications for nineteenth-century society, a topic that always interested Ibsen.
– Peer, you’re lying!
In the opening line of the play, the protagonist, Peer, is being accused of being a liar.
Director Zoe Sanda.
Zoe Santa is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and also professional actress. She started up as a student actress in 1995 and is now directing her second play for the theatre group. She has a clear notion of what is the subject of the play.
– The play is about the journey towards authenticity. False voices incorporated in us hinder us in seeing that the aim of our life is close. We have to go beyond egoism and have a loved one to find ourselves, she says.
See Peer Gynt performed by The Theatrical Group of the Medical School of Athens at Chora Theater from May 26 to June 2. The play is supported by the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Institute at Athens.
Tickets: 8 euro (5 for students). For seat reservations: 6949.437.448 and 210-8673945
Photo: The Theatrical Group of the Medical School of Athens's trailer for Peer Gynt