Region of Crete brings free theatre performances to villages across the island
The Region of Crete is continuing its “Days of Theatre” program this year, a series of cultural events that brings theatrical productions to local communities across the island with free admission. Theatre groups and artists are travelling to towns and villages in Crete, turning squares, school courtyards, theatres and cultural venues into performance spaces.
According to the Region of Crete, the program includes 23 performances from 12 different theatrical and artistic productions, staged in 19 villages, areas and towns across all four regional units of Crete. Organizers say the lineup reflects the range of artistic expression and the presence of theatre groups active on the island.
The participating groups are: Theatrical Group “O Apo Mimon,” Theatrical Group TESSERA, Theatrical Group “Ektos ton Teichon,” the Arima Puppet Theatre, NOTOS AMKE, the Friends of Theatre Association of Ierapetra, Theatrical Group “Schema 7,” Kipos Sarchou Kritis AMKE, the Rolistes – Theatrodromio, OMMA Studio AMKE, the AMKE “Thea Tron,” and the ΜΝΗΜΗ Theatre Company – Kydonia Theatre.
Performances across the island
The program opened on August 18 with “O Bakalogatos Mas,” staged by the “O Apo Mimon” troupe under director Manolis Zervakis, at the primary school in Kounavoi, with further performances scheduled for August 23 in Prinias and August 24 in Partira. Theatrical Group TESSERA is presenting “Three Boards, Two Faces, One Passion” — written and directed by Manos Zeimpekis — on August 19 in Patsides and August 27 at the Kallithea primary school grounds in Heraklion, followed by “The Fairy and the Brave Lad” on August 23 in Nea Alikarnassos, August 25 at the Open Cultural Theatre of Agios Syllas, and August 26 at the Arkalochori outdoor basketball court.
Other productions include “Three Boards, Two Faces, One Passion” by “Ektos ton Teichon,” directed by Christos Syrmakezis, on August 22 in Viannos and August 24 in Ampelouzos, and “The Fair of the Silent Poets,” conceived and directed by Kostis Zaimakis, on August 26 in Nea Alikarnassos and September 2 in Episkopi. NOTOS AMKE is presenting “Koinos Topos – A Modern Comedy About Coexistence,” by Maria Andreadaki, across five dates between August 28 and September 3, including performances at an elderly care facility and a day centre in Heraklion.
The Ierapetra Friends of Theatre Association is staging Iakovos Kambanellis’ “Stella with the Red Gloves” on August 30 in Neapoli and September 4 on the Lasithi Plateau. Theatrical Group “Schema 7” is presenting Manos Kounougakis’ “Theees” on September 1 in Agios Vasileios and September 2 in Vasilies, while Kipos Sarchou Kritis AMKE offers a music and visual performance on September 5 at the Mikis Theodorakis Theatre in Chania. Further dates include “Free Couple” by Dario Fo and Franca Rame from the Rolistes – Theatrodromio on September 5 in Kerasia, “Louis Tikas – The King of Asini” by OMMA Studio AMKE on September 8 at the Erofili Theatre in the Rethymno Fortezza, and “Mesopelaga” by Sławomir Mrożek, staged by AMKE “Thea Tron,” on September 12 at the same venue.
The schedule concludes on September 18 with “Synora,” written by Henry Naylor and directed by Michalis Virvidakis, performed by the ΜΝΗΜΗ Theatre Company – Kydonia Theatre at the Experimental Stage of the Heraklion Cultural and Conference Center.
The Region of Crete said the “Days of Theatre” program aims to turn theatre into a shared space of expression and participation, bringing communities together around live performance. Further cultural programming from the Region of Crete this season includes concerts at Ancient Aptera and a piano recital as part of a separate festival in Heraklion. Full listings of upcoming performances and other cultural activities can also be found under Events in Crete.
