By Maria Gregoriou
Fantastico Theatre will be presenting the world premiere of the play Fortunatus, based on the Renaissance story of the same name which had a Cypriot from Famagusta as its hero.
The play, in Greek, about the legendary hero which was popular in 15th and 16th century Europe will be performed in all major cities from September 2, starting in Paphos and ending in Limassol.
The play is based on the German chapbook or booklet by an unknown author, whose earliest edition is from 1509.
The tale follows the life of a young man named Fortunatus from relative obscurity through his adventures towards fame and fortune. The story doesn’t just present Fortunatus’ life, it also follows the careers of his two sons.
According to the story, Fortunatus was a native of Famagusta. One day he met the goddess of Fortune in a forest who gave him a purse. Of course this was no ordinary purse as with every coin withdrawn, it simply replenished itself and filled up with as much money as was taken.
With Fortune’s gift, Fortunatus wandered through many lands and had many adventures, including one in Cairo where he was the guest of the sultan. Among the treasures that the sultan showed him was an old hat which had the power of transporting its wearer to any place he desired. Wanting to go back home, the hero of the story put it on and found himself once again in Cyrpus, where he continued to lead a luxurious life.
On his death he left the purse and the hat to his sons Ampedo and Andelosia, but as with many a similar tale, the brothers were jealous of each other and instead of using the purse and hat to gain happiness, these objects lead to their downfall.
Like Cervantes’ tale Don Quixote, Fortunatus is a tale which marks the passing of the feudal world into the more modern and capitalist world.
Fortunatus the Cypriot
World premier of the play based on the Renaissance novel Fortunatus. September 2. District Officer’s Residence, Griva Digeni and Neofitou Nicolaide, Paphos. 9pm. In Greek. Tel: 97-626798
September 3. Pierides Museum, 4 Zenonos Kitieos, Larnaca. 9pm. In Greek. Tel: 97-626798
September 5-6. Cultural Centre of the University of Cyprus, Manor House on Axiotheas Street, Old Nicosia
September 11. Erimi Open Theatre, Limassol
