The Nicosia International Festival is back for its fifth edition, featuring a vibrant schedule filled with theatre, music, and contemporary dance performances. The event, set to run through autumn and winter, will also shine a spotlight on local talent, Nicosia’s multicultural essence, and emerging artists.
Festival Opening
The festival will officially begin on October 10 with the opening of the photography exhibition “Face forward …Into My Home”. This exhibition, co-organized with the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens, focuses on the personal stories of people who have migrated to Cyprus, striving to rebuild their lives. The event will be held at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, and the opening night will feature an African Fashion Party, adding a celebratory flair to the occasion.
International Collaborations and Cultural Highlights
This year’s festival continues its tradition of partnering with prestigious international organizations, including the Pina Bausch Foundation (Germany), Sadler’s Wells Theatre (England), and the Festival d’Avignon (France). One of the standout performances will be “Rite of Spring”, choreographed by the legendary Pina Bausch, alongside “Katarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists”, directed by Tiago Rodrigues, artistic director of the Festival d’Avignon. The festival’s extensive lineup will continue until the spring of 2025, showcasing a wide array of cultural performances as part of Nicosia’s bid for the 2030 European Capital of Culture.
Children and Youth Productions
A special focus has been placed on productions for children and young audiences. One of the exciting shows is “Miav Volan J’Enan Geron (Once Upon a Time)”, set to premiere on November 16. This co-production with Alpha Cyprus is based on the Cypriot Fairy Tales by Nearchos Clerides and ALPHA Podcasts.
The festival will close its 2024 program with the renowned Cypriot production “Still! A Statue that Turned the World” on December 31. In addition, on February 8, a new production titled “The Doll of Franz Kafka” will be directed by Kostas Silvestrou. The festival will continue in May 2025 with the children’s theatre performance “Ba_Boom_”, directed by Marios Kakoullis, which explores the impact of war through the eyes of children.
#Under30 Programme for Emerging Artists
In its commitment to fostering local talent, the festival brings back the #UNDER30 programme, aimed at supporting Cypriot artists under 30. This year’s edition will feature performances by Nama Dama, Alexa Michael, and Zina Melekki, along with a dance performance by choreographer Alexandros M Kyriazis, titled “Jimmy & Freddie”.
Poetry at Davila Bastion – #ThePoet Programme
The festival will take over the Davila Bastion for two special poetry nights centered around the iconic sculpture “The Poet” by Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos. On October 11, the festival collaborates with the Poetry Moves International Festival to present poetry, accompanied by piano and cello, with the participation of Varotsos. Two days later, on October 13, a poetry concert titled “Poetry of Invasion and Displacement” will be held in partnership with the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.
Contemporary Dance and Theatre
Dance enthusiasts will enjoy a significant collaboration between the Pina Bausch Foundation and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, as the Rite of Spring/PHILIPS 836 887 DSY/Homage to the Ancestors takes the stage on October 28. This performance has previously been shown in New York and Tokyo and now makes its way to Nicosia.
For theatre lovers, the Festival d’Avignon will present “Katarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists” on December 10 and 11. Additionally, on November 19, the Onassis Cultural Centre will showcase a documentary theatre performance under the direction of Dimitris Babilis. Another much-anticipated performance is Shakespeare’s “Richard II”, directed by Leandro Taliotis, scheduled for December 18. This raw and contemporary production explores the human arrogance that comes with power.
Music Performances
The festival’s music programme is equally impressive. Following the success of the Cuban band Septeto Santiaguero in 2022, this year will feature the dynamic performance of Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor on October 23. On November 5, celebrated Greek composer Stavros Gasparatos will unveil his latest work, Expanded Piano I, introducing audiences to a hybrid instrument. Also, the Avantgarde Cultural Organisation and pianist Elena Xydia will present a technologically advanced performance involving holographic duplication of both a piano and its performer, directed by Paschalis Mantis.
Art Exhibitions and Parallel Activities
In collaboration with the European Parliament, the festival will host the “Art in Democracy” exhibition at the Municipal Hall of Eleftheria Square in November. This exhibition has previously been displayed in Brussels and Strasbourg, with further details to be announced soon.
The public art project OTHONI will run from November 16 to December 22, showcasing video art across Smart Nicosia screens in prominent locations throughout the city. Additional parallel activities include support for local festivals like the Antama Festival, short film screenings by the Press and Information Office, and Nicosia-themed theatre workshops for children with the support of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia.
5th Nicosia International Festival
An eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance performances, and art exhibitions will grace Nicosia from October 10, 2024, through the spring of 2025. All events will take place at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit www.soldoutticketbox.com or call 22-797979.
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