Euripides’ Hippolytus will make history on March 1 and 2 as the first Greek-language play staged at the prestigious Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF), according to tovima.com. This milestone production, a collaboration between the National Theatre of Greece and Lykofos Cultural Organization, introduces Greek classical drama to new international audiences.
Directed by acclaimed artist Katerina Evangelatos, artistic director of the Athens Epidaurus Festival (AEF), the performance features a 20-member ensemble of actors, chorus, and musicians. It will be performed in Greek, with English and Chinese surtitles, as part of HKAF’s 53rd edition.
A Landmark for Greek Theatre in Asia
The inclusion of Hippolytus at HKAF reflects a growing global appreciation for Greek performing arts. This aligns with the goals of GRAPE – Greek Agora of Performance, an initiative launched in 2023 to promote Greek theatre and dance internationally. Evangelatos and AEF General Director Ioannis Kaplanis have actively fostered cultural collaborations in major Asian arts festivals, paving the way for future productions.
Inside Euripides’ Hippolytus
Originally staged at the Dionysia festival in 428 BC, Hippolytus explores themes of love, chastity, and divine retribution. Evangelatos presents Aphrodite as a voyeuristic force manipulating human emotions. The production delves into passion, sacrifice, and the conflict between divine will and free choice.
Where to Watch
After its HKAF debut, Hippolytus will return to Greece for the 70th Athens Epidaurus Festival. The cast includes Netflix’s Maestro stars Stefania Goulioti, Orestis Chalkias, and Yiannis Tsortekis, with live music by Alexandros-Drakos Ktistakis.
Source: tovima.com
