A Body blasts a Mountain.
A Woman cries in a desert.
The last two Survivors fight for a place in history.
A Memory is begging the audience not to forget her.
Bodies on stage decide to reorganise the world.
And in the midst of all these scenes, a procession led by the Psychopomp descend the five rivers of Hades.
The theatrical performance "KATABASIS" is a meditation on human transience. It depicts a world that endlessly collapses and is endlessly erected. A world in which characters and audience alike, are not prepared to respond to the remains, to the histories, to the new world, saying goodbye to the old one. Inspired by the Cypriot topographical and political landscape, through a series of perpetual deaths the piece explores the paradox between tenderness and violence. It delves into the intricate experiences of growing up within the embrace of a wounded motherland, navigating the complexities and subtleties of this intertwined existence. Reminding us how ruins of worlds and bones are still buried by the many from wars; divided landscapes, fighting for a place in history.
A multi-layered work, “KATABASIS” encompasses an international and multilingual ensemble of performers as well as a diverse creative team who come together to create an unstable universe where the weight of the world is tempered through lightness.
The performance is supported by the Cyprus Youth Organisation.
Credits:
Written & directed by: Nefeli Kentoni
Costume Designer: Ting Huang
Scenography: Nefeli Kentoni & Veronika Hadjistefanou
Movement direction: Maria Masonou
Knit Designs: Veronika Hadjistefanou
Music Composition: Manos Stratis
Sound Design & Mixing: Evagoras Bekiaris
Production Assistant: Marita Anastasi
Performers: Santi Guillamon, Melina Koutsofta, Pablo Temboury, Fatima Rodriguez Montañez, Maria Masonou, Tomio Shota, Gaia de Buchy
NIF23_UNDER30
Alongside internationally renowned artists, the Nicosia International Festival presents Cypriot artists, both established and young. Starting in 2024, in order to systematically support young artists in their first steps, the Nicosia International Festival… never ends is establishing the UNDER30 Programme, exclusively for local artists under 30 years old.