On the occasion of Europe Day, Larnaka 2030, aiming to highlight and empower the female perspective—an essential area of its action and artistic program—hosted two theatrical productions that serve this important theme. These were the musical-theatrical comedy ‘Ekeines’ (They) and the theatrical recital ‘DIDO/ELISSA or a Wandering Story’by Magdalena Zira, performed by the group SEZON Women.
‘Ekeines’ (They)09 May 2025 Baraki ‘To Perasma’, Zouhouri Square.
An original Cypriot musical-theatrical comedy that, through humor, music, and emotion,brings to light the reality of women in today’s Cyprus. Starting from the festivities and melodies of rebetiko and folk music, the performance illuminates true stories of women—their challenges, joys, and contradictions they experience daily. The focus is the woman who carries the weight of expectations and stereotypes in a world that often doesn’t allow her to breathe; who wonders if she is adequate, if she meets the roles assigned to her. Yet, through song, companionship, and celebration, she lets her voice be heard and her stories find their way into the community. A musical journey full of life that celebrates the female experience and the power of collectivity. The performance is composed of monologues and a unique live folk-rebetikofeast.
Credits: Directorial supervision: Eleni Anastasiou Actress: Andrea Mavrou Musicians on stage: Andrew Andreou, Andreas Georgiou, Giorgos Pasmas.
‘DIDO/ELISSA’ or ‘a Wandering Story’ 10 & 11 May 2025, 20:30 Medieval Castle of Larnaka.
The play brings to the stage for the first time the untold story of Dido, or Elissa, the legendary princess from Tyre who founded Carthage. In Western tradition, Dido is remembered as the unfortunate lover of Aeneas—a tragic suicide for love who captivated audiences for centuries through opera, theater, poetry, and painting. But before this myth, there was another figure, still remembered today by the Lebanese and Tunisians: an epic heroine who defended her independence until the end ofher life. This ingenious leader lived a thrilling life marked by exile, dangerous voyages, and the founding of a great city. She chose death over submission and became a symbol of strength for her people. Epic tradition is filled with silent Penelopes and modest Andromaches, but heroines like the Phoenician Dido are rare in the Western literary canon. The almost lost version of the story, told by the Carthaginians themselves about their queen, defies the usual literary stereotypes of female characters and reveals unknown aspects of Mediterranean history. This version is still told today by the descendants of the Phoenicians in Lebanon and Tunisia. It also unveils connections between Cyprus and other neighboring peoples. And it deserves to be told today—for it is filled with the dreams of youth, the pain of displacement, and the weight of betrayal.
Theatrical Recital, Credits: Text & Direction: Magdalena Zira Lyrics, musical coaching, musical arrangement: Nikoletta Demetriou Set & Costumes: Elena Katsouri Musical arrangement & soundscapes: Antonis Antoniou Cast: Margarita Zachariou, Valentinos Kokkinos, Marina Mandri, Yiannis Minos Poet-singer / Musician on stage: Nikoletta Demetriou