The magic of shadows

By Maria Gregoriou

The artistic group Okladon will bring to life a story of how the human soul struggles with its demons and, therefore, with the society it lives in. Although the story, entitled Thousand and One Nights, might seem simple, the way in which it’s theatrical elements are staged is not.

The art of storytelling will meet shadow theatre and music on Friday at the Engomi Cultural Centre in Nicosia when a mystic show will be brought to us all.

The main character in the story is Caliph Sachriar who has lost his confidence in people, and Sachrazat, who manages to convince Sachriar to not be so hard, by telling him stories.

The story is universal as it touches on the inner fights we are faced with as we continue on this journey through life. The social aspects of life, and how it makes us view ourselves and those around us, make us become isolated and suspicious of others.

Perhaps, if we share a little, and if we emotionally interact with one another, then the good within each of us will begin to be recognised.

The music for the performance will be performed by Veronika Aloneftou on percussions and dulcimer. The story will be narrated by Marina Katsari, and Theodore Kostidakis will be in charge of the shadow theatre part of the night. The story has been directed by Katerina Pantela.

Okladon is a group of people who come from two separate artistic groups. Those who branch out from the group Paramithies are mainly focused on narrating folk and traditional stories with music, while the members who originate from the Karakiozeis Pantou group perform shadow theatre and also organise shadow workshops.

Tickets can be purchased before the show from the Engomi Cultural Centre (22-781104 or 99-771797), from Art Workshop Arts and Moods in Strovolos (99-644402) and Aloneftis Pottery Shop, also in Strovolos (22-428910).

Thousand and One Nights
Storytelling and shadow theatre performance. February 6. Engomio Cultural Centre, 8 Neas Engomis Street, Engomi, Nicosia. 8pm-9.30pm. €8/6. In Greek. Tel: 22-781104

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