ZORBA THE GREEK BALLET

ZORBA THE GREEK BALLET
ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS
October 9^th, 21:00

The Timeless Legend of Zorba:
A Ballet for a Noble Cause

Musical Direction by Lukas Karytinos

PRINCIPAL DANCERS: Joshua Legge, Eleana Andreoudi, Ilhan Durgut, Davide Buffone, Evgenija Koskina
BALLET: Slovene National Theatre Maribor
SOLOIST: Irini Karaianni, mezzo-soprano

Athens Philharmonia Orchestra and the Academia
Athens Youth Choir

Lykeion ton Ellinidon

150 performers on stage

Step into the enchanting world of one of Greece's most cherished literary figures as Zorba takes center stage in a mesmerizing ballet performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. On October 9, 2024, this extraordinary event will unfold in the heart of Athens, set against the majestic backdrop of one of the city's most iconic venues.

This event is more than a celebration of art; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity. Organized by the Thyateira Union-a philanthropic, cultural, and social organization committed to supporting the humanitarian work of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain-the evening aims to make a profound difference. Spearheaded by its distinguished members, Maria Tsifti and Nicolette Astyfidis, the event seeks to allocate the net proceeds to support the missionary work of Sister Nektaria, a nun dedicated to fighting poverty and illiteracy. An equal portion of the net proceeds will also be donated to support the important work of FLOGA, the Association of Parents of Children with Cancer. His Eminence will attend the event as a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch, honoring this important initiative.

This performance marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary film "Zorba the Greek" and the timeless music composed by Mikis Theodorakis, celebrated worldwide as "Sirtaki" or "Zorba's Dance." As we approach the centenary of Theodorakis' birth in 2025, this event also launches a global tour that will bring "Zorba" to major cities such as London, Rome, Paris, Cairo, New York, Chicago, Melbourne, and Sydney throughout 2025 and 2026.

First premiered by Lorca Massine in 1988 at the Arena di Verona, "Zorba the Greek" has enthralled audiences across more than 35 countries with over 5,000 performances, narrating a tale of friendship, love, and triumph over adversity through the expressive power of dance. The upcoming performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus will showcase 40 dancers from the Slovene National Theatre Maribor, with principal dancers Joshua Legge, Eleana Andreoudi, llhan Durgut, Davide Buffone, and Evgenija Koskina leading the ensemble.

The Athens Philharmonia Orchestra, under the esteemed baton of maestro Lukas Karytinos, will provide the musical accompaniment, while mezzo-soprano Irini Karaianni will perform alongside the Academia Athens Youth Choir.

Joining this remarkable production is Lykeion ton Ellinidon, a historic cultural and educational organization in Greece. Founded in 1911 by Kalliroi Parren, a trailblazer of the feminist movement and volunteerism, the organization is committed to preserving Greece's cultural heritage and promoting gender equality.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and Investments and with the support of the Ministry of Health, the "Zorba" ballet aims to contribute to the charitable work of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas.

Co-organized by Ambrosia Capital, a leading financial investment company, the event is poised to achieve its full artistic and philanthropic potential by securing significant sponsorships. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ambrosia Capital at zorbasponsorships@ambrosiacapital.com

The presale has started!

Book your tickets through Ticket Services at the following link:

https://www.ticketservices.gr/event/herodeion-zorba-the-greek-ballet/?lang=en

The contributors of the performance:

Music: Mikis Theodorakis
Choreography: Lorca Massine
Music Direction: Lukas Karytinos
Principal Dancers: Joshua Legge, Eleana Andreoudi, Ilhan Durgut, Davide Buffone, Evgenija Koskina
Ballet: Slovene National Theatre Maribor
Soloist: Irini Karaianni
Orchestra: Athens Philharmonia
Choir: Academia Athens Youth Choir
Participating: Lykeion ton Ellinidon
Lighting: Dimitris Koutas
Production: Arietta Productions
Organizer: Thyateira Union
Co-organizer: Ambrosia Capital