A different take on Alexander the Great’s story, brought to life by artist and producer Constantine Athiridis, is here to make us bow before the myth of the man who changed the world. The English language, staged rock opera Alexander the Great is a two-hour plus musical-theatrical production, with a 45-member cast. Thirty actors, dancers and singers join forces with fifteen musicians and attempt to mentally transport us to Samothrace, where Alexander the Great’s mother, Olympia, met Philip – king of Macedonia – for the first time, during the Bacchic mysteries.
In the new production by the National Theatre of Northern Greece (NTNG), director Constantine Athiridis delivers the life and labours of history’s most successful military commander, presenting a show of high artistic and entertainment standards. Made possible under the auspices of the Hellenic-Australian Business Council, amongst others, Alexander the Great is the opera with which the NTNG attempts for the first time to address international audiences and the Greek diaspora, with their sights set on Australia.
“I believe that the Greeks of the diaspora and international audiences will embrace Alexander the Great and this effort of the National Theatre of Northern Greece,” says NTNG head of board Meni Lisaridou.
The music of the opera, while at large follows the requirements of modern approach in the specific genre as shaped by its pioneers, also includes significant deviations.
“The play is not a musical, namely, there is no prose alternating with songs. This brings it closer to the structure of classic opera. On the other hand, its sound does not fall under a single specific genre,” composer Constantine Athiridis explains.
“In the rock opera, music must serve the image of Alexander the Great which is multi-dimensional, considering the historical significance of the matter, the geographical range of the hero’s action, the multiculturalism, the multitude of emotions approached by the play, and above all, the intricate personality of its protagonist. Finally, we could not omit our own, Greek identity. The 6/7, 7/8 or 9/8 rhythm patterns (zeibekiko), and the use of instruments like oud, bouzouki and the Cretan lyra, apart from the acoustic diversity they offer, also serve as subtle reminders of Alexander’s place of origin.”
The opera will premiere at the Vassiliko Theatre in Thessaloniki on 23 October. The show will then move to Athens for a series of performances, followed by an international tour that is expected to hit Australia.
Giannis Vouros, artistic director of the NTNG and the opera, explained what it was that triggered him to bring this concept into realisation.
“Last summer I went to see the experimental version of this opera, which was a triumph according to critics and the press. It was the first time someone had ever done this in Greece and indeed a magnificent play. This is how I got this idea to attempt a new production of this project, through the National Theatre of Northern Greece. There is no doubt that with the support of great organisations, such as the NTNG, with a new libretto and an aesthetically and technically excellent production, we have in our hands a very promising proposal, with all the distinct features that contribute to an international success,” Vouros said.
There is no doubt that with such a cast and drive for artistic creativity, Alexander the Great will meet its goals and embark on a journey beyond Greek borders, past the Hindu river, to Australia. We will surely be waiting to meet the personality of the man behind the myth.