The story of Alexis Zorbas, the legendary hero of Nikos Kazantzakis’s novel, comes to life through the art of dance, accompanied by the popular music composed by Mikis Theodorakis.
The “Zorba the Greek Ballet,” choreographed by Lorca Massine and presented for the first time in 1988 at the Roman Theatre Arena in Verona, has travelled worldwide. Great dancers and musicians will revive it on October 9 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel “Life and State of Alexis Zorbas”, published in 1946, tells the story of a unique friendship that develops between an educated and reserved writer and a reckless, free and passionate Greek, Alexis Zorbas.
This work became known worldwide through its theatrical and film adaptation, culminating in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, starring Anthony Quinn, becoming a timeless symbol of freedom and authenticity, inspiring generations of viewers worldwide.
John, a cultured American tourist fascinated by Greek traditions, arrives in an unnamed part of Greece. John tries to integrate himself into the community as takes on the name Giannis, but the people who see him as “the outsider” are hostile towards him.
Only Zorbas, a Greek with a great sense of friendship and a spirit free from prejudices, approaches Giannis, and a deep bond is born between them.
Zorbas teaches him everything he needs to know to always live at the peak of life. Giannis falls in love with Marina, a young widow with whom Manolios is also in love. Marina chooses Giannis, and the people, interpreting her choice as treason, order her death.
Giannis does not have the strength to react to the pain, but Zorbas intervenes and invites him to a liberating dance. The dance celebrates and transcends pain with the awareness that life goes on and must be lived.
A little later, Madame Hortense, a former diva with whom Zorbas fell deeply in love, also dies. This death plunges Zorbas into grief, and this time, it is Giannis who urges him, with the same dance, to return to life.
The energy and philosophy of Zorbas and Giannis’ dance captivate people who join them in celebrating friendship and freedom by erasing the drama.
Through their adventures and trials, Zorbas reveals the truth about human nature and the beauty of simplicity.
The ballet version of “Zorba” that will be presented at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus combines classical and modern ballet elements with traditional Greek dances.
Zorbas and the other characters come to life on stage through intense movements and expressions that highlight the ballet’s emotions and philosophical quests and the timelessness of Kazantzakis and Theodorakis’s work.
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