Friday, September 12  Monday, September 15 

Μ. de Ghelderode: 
The Rider of the Snow (Sire Halewyn) 
Mediaeval dramatized tale (premiere)
Co-Produced by 'Ianos' Theatre Company, Organisation of Cultural Capital of Europe 1997, Centre for Music Theatre 

Palea Elektriki Theatre
(4 performances) 

THE PRODUCTION
Based on the old Flemish legend of "Heer Halewijn," Ghelderode's play was written originally for the radio. In its last version (as it was adapted for the stage by its author) a certain "radio" tone remains obvious in the language. We saw this particular use of imagery in the text as an interesting challenge: To use music as the main vehicle for conveying textual imagery, blending movement, sound and speech in a "total" spectacle. 
This adaptation borrows from the original myth, but focuses primarily on subjects which occur constantly and persistently in Ghelderode's work: escape, dreams and the magical qualities of music. 
Six actors (who impersonate sixteen characters) and four musicians participate in this production.

THE PLOT OF ΤHE PLAY
The people of Ostrelande are terrified. It is the beginning of Winter and, like every year, Halewyn will come out of his castle, sing his magical song, and put to sleep the most beautiful virgin of the country. In the end he will leave her hanging - like all the others - dead from his tree. 
This year the girl who gets bewitched by his music, is the daughter of the Duke. Before she leaves the castle, she knocks on the doors of her father, mother and brother to ask for their advice. They, in their terror, do not know what to say to her. So the girl rides off in the night alone. 
While the people of Ostrelande are gathered to pray for her dead soul, she unexpectedly appears in front of them on her horse. She shows them Halewyn's severed head, and recounts what happened…

  "IANOS"
In 1996 director Constantine Arvanitakis and actor Akis Sakellariou formed IANOS, a non-profit theatre company.  Sire Halewyn is the first project of the new organization and is presented in co-production with the Centre for Music Theatre of Volos and in collaboration with Salonica, Cultural Capital of Europe.

Cast:

Purmelende / Woodcutter's Wife Natalia Capodistria
Godfrund / Wolventand Giorgos Kormanos
Duke / Woodcutter / Ulford Gerasimos Michelis
Edwiggha / Duchess / Barbara Arietta Moutoussi
Halewyn / Watchman Akis Sakellariou
Iwyn / Karole / Griffons Giorgos Symeonides

Adaptation Constantine Arvanitakis
Based on the translation by Natalia Capodistria
Direction Constantine Arvanitakis
Costumes Claire Bracewell
Music Panayiotis Kalatzopoulos
Sound Giorgos Kyriakou
Lights Eleftheria Deko
Scenery Elli Papageorgakopoulou

Production Letta Andreadi, Ksenia Kaldara
Assistant Lighting Designer Sakis Birbilis
Photography Themis Stylianopoulou
Assistant Director Calliope Charalambous

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