by Anny Zade and John Faraclas
What an event that was with a full house at the British Library yesterday – one of the three evening performances of a unique subject for grand drama, aired by Elizabeth H Filippouli, who was responsible for production and adaptation, and her team.
Alexander the Great: Between Dreams and Imagination was inspired by a modern epic poem written by Stamatis A. Filippoulis and meticulously translated by Anthony Stevens.
It was overdue that such a production in the British capital should enable Planet Ocean to pay its due to the greatest of all times general: Alexander the Great, the immortal soldier. And what a tribute in verse by Stamatis A. Filippoulis, an immortal in his literary field.
All in all a memorable, touching, inspiring, and educational event on all counts:
Di Sherlock’s statement in the programme uplifts the meaning of theatre; as a talented director/dramaturgist she excelled…
Well-turned visual work by Paul Benney; intriguing and harmonious music glorifying the theme and simultaneously healing, by Samatis Spanoudakis…
Acting-wise, all on stage greatly contributed to a challenging scenario, particularly when same is based on a modern epic poem…
Peter Marinker as Aristotle had a difficult task, but did more than anyone could expect; philosophy after all, even on military and geopolitical issues, is a Hellenic cause…
Jack Parry-Jones as Alexander: a …revisited performance at its best…
Andreanne Rellou: what an eloquent and talented young lady she proved as Queen of the Land of Eternal Peace, Thais and Hulwa… Theatre her oyster!
Olympias and the Pirate Queen: who wasn’t jealous of Clara Onyemere’s acting!
The pivotal Susan Aderin: experience as always counts. She did more than well as the Wise Woman!
Jamie Zubairi, as King Philip and Aslan Pasha, managed skilfully those two demanding roles…
Victor Oshin as Eutolmos and Davlitis… A contribution well received by the audience; bravo!
As said a full house among whom diplomats, namely the Cyprus High Commissioner, and the Ambassadors of Georgia, Finland, and Egypt.
An exhibition has been running during the three performances 02, 03 and 04 of February and continues until February 19. One should visit same as soon as possible not to miss the making of the myth but also the reality. With material from 25 countries in 21 languages this unique exhibition shows how one historical person has served many purposes, creating shared narratives with universal appeal.
The Alexander romance was at the heart of this storytelling for over a thousand years, but the legends also found their way into epic poetry and drama, and more recently into novels, comics, films and video games.
Worth remembering that Alexander’s Empire although vast was short-lived, stretching from his native Macedonia to the northwestern frontier of India. He began by bringing much of Greece under his control, then led his army into the Persian Empire. Egypt too fell. Who would think that he conquered what is today’s Afghanistan in 17 and a half days and nights of relentless fighting. Compare that with the decades-long struggles of the Soviet era and failed occupation by American led NATO forces…
At the pre theatre/performance drinks reception we had the chance to meet old friends and meet new ones.
We hope these performances can be repeated in more places around Planet Ocean
Congratulations to all sponsors in making this event a triumph. The event was under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in London.
Good to meet after a long time Elizabeth Filippouli, Chrysanthi P. Lemos and her son Pavlos Horn, Makis Peppas, Eleni Malatou with her husband Philippos Philippidis, Thanasi Gavos and Cyprus High Commissioner Andreas S. Kakouris and his wife Kareen. Worth being introduced to Ms Vasso Sotiriou and actresses Clara Onyemere and Andreane Rellou.
At the unique exhibition Luigi from the British Library was very helpful and great meeting Hannah Polakowski – just ended her internship with IMO; shipping is always around and Priyanka Patel – both very interested and hope they finally attended the last performance.
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N.B. Special thanks to Elena Soupiana and Marianna Varvarigou, Cultural Councellor and Press Attache respectively at the Greek Embassy in London, Katerina Chatzi from Global Thinkers Forum, Liz Winder and Jennie Patrice as well as to all involved at the British Library in supporting us to attend and make our write-up note a reality.
P.S. Next time you are at the British Library Shop, ensure you buy the book: Alexander the Great; the making of a myth!
