A monumental tribute to the late composer Mikis Theodorakis, titled “Beautiful City – 100 Years of Mikis Theodorakis”, is set to captivate Australian audiences as part of its global tour. The production celebrates the centenary of the legendary artist’s birth, in alignment with the Greek Ministry of Culture’s officially declared “Year of Mikis Theodorakis.”
The theatrical and musical event, crafted by director Giorgos Valaris, has drawn widespread acclaim in Greece, with performances in renowned venues such as the Athens Concert Hall, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Following its January 31 to February 9 run at the historic Pallas Theatre in Athens, the production will move to Thessaloniki before embarking on an international journey, with stops in Australia, the United States, and Europe. Specific Australian dates and locations are to be announced soon.
The production features celebrated performers, including singers Manolis Mitsias, Eleni Vitali, Dimitris Bassis, and Giota Nega, alongside the renowned actress Lydia Koniordou and actor Michalis Sarantis. Acclaimed singer Tania Tsanaklidou joins them, along with dancers Faidra Daioglou and Kostis Tsiamagas, supported by a seven-member orchestra.
Incorporating Theodorakis’ legendary compositions, such as “Beautiful City,” “Magic Moon,” “The Song of Justice,” “One Swallow,” and “It’s Raining in the Poor Neighborhood,” the performance also features prose by Valaris. These texts explore themes central to human existence and Greek identity, such as love, exile, mortality, and resilience, weaving a rich narrative tapestry with the composer’s poetic works.
Originally staged in 1962, “Beautiful City” has been reimagined through extensive research into Theodorakis’ life and artistry. Director Giorgos Valaris describes the production as a “modern popular tragedy,” blending music, myth, poetry, and drama into a unified whole.
“This is a story of a nation, a generation, and universal human emotions,” said Valaris. “The songs become a living forest of interwoven myths, stories, and people.”
In a heartfelt letter to Valaris, Theodorakis, who passed away in 2021, expressed his gratitude for the revival: “What I saw and heard was a dream. Your work captures the spirituality and hidden symbolism of my music, shaping a new identity that resonates with contemporary reality while looking towards the future.”
The production also boasts a creative team including Stelios Papadopoulos (prose), Fotis Nikolaou (choreography), and Haris Souliotis (costume design).
Visuals by X Square Design Lab and lighting by Alekos Anastasiou enhance the experience, while Achilleas Gouastor (piano), Iraklis Zakkas (bouzouki), and a skilled ensemble provide musical accompaniment.
