Photo source: GNTO
Greece will commemorate the 100th anniversary of renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis’ birth by reviving one of his most iconic musical theater performances.
Born in 1925, Mikis Theodorakis was a pivotal figure in Greece’s modern artistic and political history. He collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as the Beatles, Shirley Bassey, Joan Baez, and Edith Piaf. To honor his legacy, the Greek Culture Ministry has designated 2025 as the year of Mikis Theodorakis.
Titled “Beautiful City”, the play was first performed in 1962 and received critical acclaim when it was revived in 2020 at the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls as well as the Odeon of Herod Atticus. This year, the production will return to the Pallas Theater in Athens from January 31 to February 9, followed by performances in Thessaloniki under the direction of George Valaris, before embarking on a world tour across Europe, America, and Australia.
“Through the play, modern Greek culture will be showcased in the countries included in the tour, offering viewers a unique cultural experience tied to the iconic songs of the legendary composer,” said the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) that has placed the event under its auspices.
Mikis Theodorakis’ unique poems will be interwoven with texts by George Valaris, debuting in the 2025 performance. These writings explore profound questions of human existence and Greek society, such as love, exile, loss, and identity.
Songs and writings will come to life with a modern audiovisual spectacle featuring singers Manolis Mitsias, Eleni Vitali, Dimitris Mpasis, Giota Negka, and Tania Tsanaklidou; actors Lydia Koniordou, Michalis Sarantis; dancers Faidra Daioglou and Kostis Tsiamagkas; and a seven-member orchestra.
Mikis Theodorakis life and career
Mikis Theodorakis. Photo source: Finos Film
Mikis Theodorakis was first introduced to music in the small countryside towns where his civil servant father was transferred. Eager to deepen his musical knowledge, Theodorakis began his studies at the Athens Conservatoire before continuing his education in Paris.
Equally devoted to his political beliefs, Theodorakis became active during the Greek Civil War, which led to his exile on the islands of Ikaria and Makronisos, where he rose as a significant figure in Greek communism.
During the early years of the Junta dictatorship, Theodorakis founded the Patriotic Anti-dictatorship Front but was soon arrested, imprisoned, and deported. After his release in 1970, he toured globally, using concerts to raise international awareness against the regime.
After the dictatorship’s fall, he returned to politics, serving as an MP for both the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and New Democracy. He later became a minister in Konstantinos Mitsotakis’ government before retiring from active politics.
Theodorakis passed away on September 2, 2021, following years of heart-related health issues.
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