Zorbas, The Writer, The Widow. They’re all there but this time wearing ballet tights
THE moment when Anthony Quinn dances on the beach in the film of Zorba the Greek is stuck in most people’s minds. This week, fans of the work will be given the chance to see that moment (plus the rest of the story) in a very different way: ballet.
The Ballet Company of the Hungarian State Opera will perform Zorbas this week, putting a completely different spin on the dance we have all drunkenly performed.
The ballet begins with a stage packed with dancers; however it is soon apparent who embarks on Zorbas’ journey with him. On the beautiful island of Crete, Zorbas befriends an Englishman, ‘The Writer’, who tags along and gets to know the ins and outs of local life. Choreographer Gabor Kevehazi brings Nicos Kazantzakis’ novel to life in a novel and entertaining way. “The ballet was chosen by the Municipality Committee as well as by the Greek Festival Committee as it is one of the best ballets in Hungary,” explained Rea Ioannidou, producer. “But most importantly this ballet is also to celebrate one of the most loved musicians of all times, Mikis Theodorakis.” The Ballet Company of The Hungarian State Opera has toured across the world and is set to play in the Herodion in Greece straight after their performance in Cyprus.
Tragedy, suffering and disappointment are all parts of the story and the two men, which have very different personalities, manage to pull through. While The Writer falls in love with The Widow, who is hopelessly adored by a young man (The Boy), Zorbas acts as a saviour for both when The Boy is found dead after committing suicide. But that’s not the only love that stays unfulfilled as Bubulina yearns for Zorbas, who has decided to spend all The Writer has given him on delightful courtesans.
The performance has little to do with the original film by Cacoyiannis, which starred Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas and Lila Kedrova. “You cannot present the same things on stage as in a film or a book,” explained Kevehazi. “I tried to show the important stages and turns of the story as if in a mosaic. Times when it was viable to build up a modern, dramatic ballet storyline using neoclassic techniques are out, it is more up to date to intersperse the ballet with effective, dramatic scenes for which, choreographer Ek Matz’s work serves as a very good reference. I have tried to use all the knowledge and experience I gathered as a dancer from diverse styles.” Scenes that would normally be expressed through words will now be expressed through movement, dance and music, including the scene where Bubulina envisions Zorbas loving her and asking her hand in marriage. There is no doubt that the music, written by Mikis Theodorakis, will do justice to the ballet, leaving no gap or desire for words.
The ballet will be performed in two acts, the second of which is completed by murders and tragedy for The Writer as his beloved Widow is despised by the other villagers and ends up being killed. Despite the fact that Zorbas and The Writer arrived at the village with the hope of demolishing every thread of hatred and bringing prosperity, they realise they have failed dramatically.
However, life goes on and both men try to cope with these mournful events. Zorbas manages to keep his head above water despite the storms and has learned that with one single dance, the pain can be ended and they can start all over again. At which point, the unforgettable ‘Zorba’ dance comes in to the act. The two men dance the folk dance Syrtaki together. The entire company escorts them; all living creatures come on stage and join in, including those who have died, the dance bringing everyone together as it is life itself.
l Zorbas by The Ballet Company of the Hungarian State Opera at Limassol’s Kypotheatre. July 22 and 23 at 21:00. Tickets: ?16, ?21 and ?26. Available at Limassol Municipal Theatre, Strovolos Municipal Theatre and Play and Brent Cross shops in every town. Tel: 77777181
