Over 500 theatre lovers attended last week the world premiere of Alexander the Great: Between Dreams and Imagination at the British Library. The three sold-out performances mark the beginning of the play’s international tour.
Based on a modern epic poem by Greek playwright Stamatis Filippoulis, Alexander the Great: Between Dreams and Imagination is inspired by stories around legendary Macedonian king Alexander the Great and his hunger for knowledge and search for the true meaning of ‘greatness’.
The play is an invitation to re-imagine the personality of the statesman through the eyes of his tutor,
the philosopher Aristotle, and reflect on his mortality and fragility. In this contemporary adaptation,
the old is intertwined with modern references, making Alexander’s life relevant to today’s context.
Art by Paul Benney contributed to a mesmerising, apocryphal effect and music by Greek composer
Stamatis Spanoudakis lifted words and visual poetry.
The seven-strong cast, which included award-winning Peter Marinker as Aristotle and Moon Dogs’
Jack Parry-Jones as Alexander, performed the staged readings at the magnificent Entrance Hall of
the British Library – the largest public building constructed in 20th century Britain by architects Sir
Colin St John Wilson and MJ Long.
Elizabeth Filippouli, who did the adaptation and produced the play, said: “It is unlike any other play
about Alexander the Great. It is philosophy meeting history, myth and imagination, but we also tell
harsh truths about our societies today. It was an absolute pleasure to see a full house in the British
Library over three performances.”
Jack Parry-Jones, who played Alexander,said: “The young Alexander comes to appreciate a
greatness found in people and connection and hopes that he will be viewed for his kindness.”
H.E. Mr Andreas Kakouris, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK, commented: “I
was very honoured to be here this evening with other ambassadors to see this production tonight.
There were so many elements to it that bring it into today’s world: the importance of Hellenism and
what it has brought throughout the ages to our world and societies, and the poignance of Alexander
the Great message of the need to avoid wars and to conduct peace.”
H.E. Mr Jukka Siukosaari, Ambassador of Finland to the UK, shared his experience of the play: “This
is a really powerful and impressive production that tells the story of Alexander in a very touching
way. I enjoyed both the actors’ performances and the music, as well as the imagery. It was very well
done.”
Friday’s performance was followed by a private drinks’ reception attended by ambassadors, theatre
lovers, media, and members of the Greek community in the UK. The play coincided with the fourmonth British Library exhibition ‘Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth’.
Other notable attendees included: H.E. the Ambassador of Georgia to the UK, Ms Sophio Katsarava;
H.E. the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK, Mr Sherif Kamel; Mr and Mrs Stephen Ferguson; Lady
Wendy Calendon; Mrs Chrisanthy Lemos; Mr Doug Wills, Editor Emeritus at the Evening Standard;
Ms Caitlin Mavroleon; Ms Paola Diana; Mr Michael Economakis, President of the Hellenic Recycling
Association; and Ms Maria Tibblin.
