Dragons, princes, and princesses from the enchanting world of Cypriot fairy tales will take center stage this Christmas Eve at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. The magical performance, “Once Upon a Time,” is a highlight of the 5th Nicosia International Festival, promising a captivating experience with live music, animations, puppetry, and cinematic soundscapes.
A Unique Celebration of Cypriot Heritage
Presented by Nicosia 2030, this production aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, weaving together its folklore, myths, and traditions. The performance features original music and songs by Kostas Cacoyannis and Pambos Kouzalis, performed live by a talented orchestra. Adding to the spectacle are animated visuals, a children’s choir, and immersive storytelling elements.
Stories From Every Corner of Cyprus
The tales showcased in the performance are based on stories compiled by researcher Nearchos Clerides in his book Cypriot Fairy Tales. Clerides documented these narratives through interviews with locals—19 men and 14 women—from diverse regions across the island, from Paphos to Yialousa. These stories were traditionally shared during harvest time, winter nights by the fireplace, and in village cafés, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of Cypriots of the past.
Modern Innovations Meet Timeless Tales
The idea for “Once Upon a Time” originated from an audio podcast developed by Alpha Cyprus, inspired by Clerides’ book. Written by dramaturg Stavros Stavrou, the podcast episodes brought these fairy tales to a new audience, eventually evolving into this theatrical production. Among the stories brought to life on stage are:
- I Dragouna Tziai I Vasilopoulla
- O Pittortos
- I TriantafyllenI
- O Dkiamantis
- I Stachtoula
A Spectacle for All Ages
Audiences will be treated to two performances on December 24, at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, catering to Greek-speaking viewers of all ages. The production features contributions from the Anthi Papaphilippou Children’s Choir and the Nicosia Municipality Children’s Choir, alongside dozens of musicians.
Event Details
- What: “Once Upon a Time” – A performance blending Cypriot fairy tales with music, animation, and live storytelling
- When: December 24, 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Where: Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia
- Language: Greek
- Tickets: Available at www.soldoutticketbox.com
Celebrate the magic of Cyprus’ folklore with a performance that honors its intangible cultural heritage in a modern and creative way.
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