A special theatrical experience is on the horizon, bringing one of Honoré de Balzac’s most renowned works to life. This September, the iconic Nicosia gallery will host a theatrical reading of Balzac’s short story, The Unknown Masterpiece, newly adapted into Greek.
Exploring Art and Genius
The narrative centers around a painter whose talent teeters between tragic failure and extraordinary genius. This story, which has influenced legendary artists like Cézanne, Henry James, and Picasso, as well as surrealist André Breton, delves into the complexities of artistic perfection and the limits of creativity.
A Captivating Performance
Under the direction of Andreas Araouzos, the reading features three actors: Barnabas Kyriasis, Fotis Apostolidis, and Araouzos himself. They will portray the three central characters: the young Nicolas Poussin, the seasoned court painter Franz Pourbus, and the elderly, fictional artist Frenhofer.
An Immersive Experience at the Leventis Gallery
The performance is set in the Impressionist Room of the Leventis Gallery, scheduled for September 2-4 and 9-11. This venue, dedicated to Impressionism—a movement bridging realism and modernism—provides an ideal setting for a work that foreshadows the shift from Balzac’s realism to modernist ideals. Audience members will be seated throughout the room, with the ambiance enhanced by the lighting design of Nikos Mylonas and sound design by Stavros Makris.
Event Details: The Unknown Masterpiece
- What: Theatrical reading of Honoré de Balzac’s classic, directed by Andreas Araouzos.
- When: September 2, 3, 4, and 9, 10, 11 at 8pm.
- Where: A.G. Leventis Gallery, Nicosia.
- Language: In Greek.
- Tickets: Available at www.ticketmaster.cy.