"Pontian Serenades" at the Old Fortress
Pontian
26 Aug 2022
/ 12:49
CORFU. A theatrical performance focussing on Pontian refugees in Corfu.
On Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th residents and visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a musical theatrical performance "Pontian Serenades" at the Old Fortress on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor Disaster.
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
The performance is set in 1923 following the Treaty of Lausanne and the influx of Pontian refugees to Corfu. The worthy producers of the performance called it a 'folk opera' and "Pontian Serenades" could be considered a dialogue between the separate Corfiot and Pontian identities.
The concerns highlighted in the performance also expressed in a satirical way the current socio-political problems in Greece - the experiences of the Pontian refugees coming to Corfu can be easily compared to the current wave of refugees - hoping, like Odysseas, to find a welcoming and hospitable Phaecian Island.
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
What impressed the audience were the original concept and the execution of the performance. There were excellent performances by the two singers (Natasa Tsakiridou and Amalia Tsekoura) and the orchestra. The Pontian songs responded to the series of questions in the form of songs from the Corfiots, with the serenades and Italian bell canto competing with the Pontian harmonies.
The brilliant script - just as appropriate to current times - was written by Stamatis Pasopoulos and Nikos Ioakeim and influenced by the comedies of Aristophanes, 'Babylon' by Vizantios and the shadow theatre of Vassilis Rotas.
The performance was directed by the Italian Evgenia Demglio.
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
The performance is set in 1923 following the Treaty of Lausanne and the influx of Pontian refugees to Corfu. The worthy producers of the performance called it a 'folk opera' and "Pontian Serenades" could be considered a dialogue between the separate Corfiot and Pontian identities.
The concerns highlighted in the performance also expressed in a satirical way the current socio-political problems in Greece - the experiences of the Pontian refugees coming to Corfu can be easily compared to the current wave of refugees - hoping, like Odysseas, to find a welcoming and hospitable Phaecian Island.
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
What impressed the audience were the original concept and the execution of the performance. There were excellent performances by the two singers (Natasa Tsakiridou and Amalia Tsekoura) and the orchestra. The Pontian songs responded to the series of questions in the form of songs from the Corfiots, with the serenades and Italian bell canto competing with the Pontian harmonies.
The brilliant script - just as appropriate to current times - was written by Stamatis Pasopoulos and Nikos Ioakeim and influenced by the comedies of Aristophanes, 'Babylon' by Vizantios and the shadow theatre of Vassilis Rotas.
The performance was directed by the Italian Evgenia Demglio.
Photo: Giorgos Andriotis - Enimerosi
