Electra Sophocles (2012)

SOPHOCLES’ ELECTRA

A performance based on DIMITRIS RONTIRIS’ method.

“A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;… in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.”Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy Ancient drama is the strong dynamic that anyone can use in order to express and outline various conditions of a society such as a crisis and decay. The tragedy “Electra” was written at the time of Peloponnesian war and represents a story taken from the Myth of Atrides. Through this tragedy a question rises: in a society that corruption and injustice reign what can anyone do? Is the acceptance the best solution? Sophocles’ heroine Electra screams against prejudice and states her opposition.

”Electra” was staged many times and holds a great position in global theatre. However, Ancient Greek Tragedy should be staged often so it reminds us of its significance. The poetic speech, the rhythm, the musicality, the important messages are the elements that can improve and refine our spirits. This theatrical performance by Morfes Ekfrasis is a project based on the method of Dimitris Rontiris, a great theatre figure who staged many ancient Greek tragedies. Rontiri’s approach to tragedy is considered to be very successful due to the brilliant interpretation, rhythm and lyricism. Rontiris’ performances which took place from 1939 to 1978 accepted global praise and admiration. Rontiris, left a treasure to the theatre world. His loyal student and assistant Thomas Kindinis accesses and studies this treasure with great respect for many years and makes a research in Ancient Greek Tragedy maintaining the fundamental elements of Greek tragedies as Rontiris taught.

This project is a result of Kindini’s long research in the chorus, the language and the rhythm. The poetic language is so strong and has to sound like that. This project focuses on the feeling which is generated from the language and rhythm. The play is accompanied by live music using ancient Greek musical instruments. The rhythm and the musicality of the tragedy are obvious and perceptible as a consequence of this combination: speech, feeling and music.

Thomas Kindinis talks about Electra

Electra 2012 Athinorama magazine