Still as relevant today as the day it was written more than 90 years ago, this new dramatic adaptation is written and directed by Vasilis Kolovos and performed by Greece’s People’s Artistic Collaboration.
Kolovos has embarked on a journey of dramatic adaptation that reinvigorates a landmark work of modern Greek literature for a 21st century audience. Driven by a unique directness and simplicity, the prophetic words of Varnalis resonate with contemporary Europe.
One of the most important works of modern Greek literature, Varnalis’ original poem, published under the pseudonym Dimos Tanalias in Alexandria in 1922, takes the form of a dramatic dialogue between the mythological Prometheus – who famously stole fire from the gods – and Jesus Christ – teacher of love and equality.
Adapted for the stage for the first time, this unique theatre experience comes to Melbourne and Sydney after a successful run in Greece. A critically acclaimed work that sold out its initial run in Greece, The Burning Light is a compelling event not to be missed.
About the poet
Kostas Varnalis was born in Burgas (in modern Bulgaria) in 1884. He studied literature in Athens at the National and Kapodistrian University. After graduating in 1908, he worked for some time as a teacher in Burgas, Amaliada and Athens.
In 1919 he gained a scholarship and travelled to Paris where he studied philosophy, literature and sociology. It was during his Parisian studies that he became a Marxist and reviewed his ideas on poetry in theory and in practice. His political alignment resulted in him being dismissed from his teaching position at the Pedagogical Academy and barred from any state employment. Consequently, Varnalis took to journalism, a profession he practiced until the end of his life.
During the German Occupation of Greece, he took part in the resistance movement as a member of the National Liberation Front. In 1959, he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize. Varnalis died in Athens on 16 December 1974.
Sydney
Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June, 8.00 pm, Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville, (02) 9550 3666 / www.factorytheatre.com.au
www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au
Melbourne
Saturday 5 July, 8.00 pm (doors open at 7.30 pm), Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne, for tickets contact 13 28 49 or online at www.ticketek.com.au (Search word Burning Light) or www.greekcentre.com.au
Presented by The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and the Greek Festival of Sydney together with the Greek Community of Melbourne.