This summer we are directing the opera-performance “Il Diluvio Universale” (The Great Flood), based on the rare Baroque oratorio composed by Michelangelo Falvetti, collaborating creatively with distinguished musicians and lyrical singers. Presented in Greece for the very first time, the oratorio of this provocative Sicilian priest caused a sensation when it was originally performed. Inspired by the Biblical story of the Great Flood, its protagonists are natural elements such as water, fire and air rather than Biblical figures. In this strange condition of this summer, we fill our Ark with claims and urgency that concern us, opening the biblical story to the here and now.

 

From the director's note:

And we, like Biblical Noah and his wife, respond by exclaiming "Here we are!". We are responsible for endangered species, melting ice, polluted waters, destroyed forests. But we are also responsible for indivinduals: those droening in the Aegean Sea; those experienceing police brutality in the United States; those drawing their last breath on the pavement of Gladstone street in the centre of Athens, beaten up; the many different individuals who are persecuted due to a difference that is perceived by the undifferentiated mass as a disadvantage, as something inferior.
However, the burden is enormous for our weak shoulders; the responsibility is huge; abd our Ark is small. Let us not ger dizzy. The other person is specific and has a unique face; my responsibility towards that person individualises me. One-to-one, one for the other, and then everybody for evrybody. 

We want to dedicate our show to the memory of Gay activist Zak Kostopoulos.

Vassilis Noulas & Kostas Tzimoulis

 

details

Composer: Michelangelo Falvetti 
Libretto: Vincenzo Giattini
Adaptation | Directing | Set design | Costume design | Lighting design : Vassilis Noulas & Kostas Tzimoulis
Musical adaptation | Arrangements | Musical coaching : Panos Iliopoulos, Thanos Polymeneas Liontiris
Movement: Eugenia Demeglio
Assistant to the director: Dina Strani
Assistant to the set and costume designers: Silia Koi
Costume construction assistant: Αristile Bilung
Performed by musicians: Michalis Siganidis, Harris Lambrakis, Panos Iliopoulos, Giannos Giovanos, Guido De Flaviis, Thanos Polymeneas Liontiris, Zoe Pouri 
Performed by singers: Yannis Filias, Nikos Spanatis, Lito Messini, Giorgos Roupas, Anastasia Kotsali

Executive producer Arte Atene - Konstantinos Tourkakis
Rehearsal space courtesy of Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall

 

► LITTLE THEATRE OF ANCIENT EPIDAURUS 
Athens & Epidaurus Festival
31 July & 1 August 2020
Duration: 85 min.
http://greekfestival.gr/

► ANCIENT THEATRE OF DODONI
4th Festival of Dodoni
5 August 2020 
 

 

press

28.07.2020 - POPAGANDA
"Each Ark Is a Memory Ark" [gr] 
Interview to Lina Rokou  

30.07.2020 - LIFO
"The Oratorio 'Il Diluvio Universale' Sails From Little Edipaurus"  [gr] 
by M. Hulot

3.08.2020 - TA NEA
"The Desires and Fears in Noah's Ark" [gr] 
Response by Zoe Ziaka

3.08.2020 - I KATHIMERINI
"It's the Modern Culture, Stupid!" [gr]
Response by Takis Theodoropoulos

23.08.2020 - THEATRIKA PROGRAMMATA
"We Show the Opera-Performance 'Il Diluvio Universale'" [gr]
Review by Smaro Kotsia (Hellenic Association of Theatre Critics)

27.08.2020 - CULTURE NOW. GR
"Art Is a Way" [gr]
Positive reference by Faye Tzanetoulakou (art critic) & Giorgos-Ikaros Bambassakis (writer)

21.09.2020 - ARTIVIST
"What a Summer That Was..." [gr]
Critical appraisal by Giorgos Voudiklaris (threatre critic)