THOK’s Production of Euripides’ The Phoenician Women

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THOK’s Production of Euripides’ The Phoenician Women

This summer, the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOK) will present Euripides’ renowned tragedy, The Phoenician Women, directed by Magdalena Zira. Scheduled to commence in July, this production marks a significant event coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Performances will be held across major cities including Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, and Deryneia.

Euripides penned The Phoenician Women during the tumultuous years of 410-409 BC, amidst the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War and political upheaval. This classic drama explores the enduring impacts of war, weaving themes of reconciliation, justice, and the cyclical nature of conflict.

Set in the besieged city of Thebes, the play unfolds as seven Argive generals prepare for battle at the behest of exiled Polynices, countered by Eteocles defending the city. Amidst the looming conflict, Jocasta strives to avert war by brokering a truce for her sons to reconcile. However, the specter of their father Oedipus’s curse, and the dark secrets it holds, threatens to drive them towards fratricide.

Within the crucible of war, the characters grapple with their fates—Antigone’s tumultuous coming-of-age contrasts with Menoeceus’s selfless sacrifice. As power shifts among leaders blinded by passion, echoes of past mistakes haunt the tragic downfall of the House of Labdacus, juxtaposed with nostalgic reflections on the city’s former glory.

Euripides’ masterful narrative compresses the complex saga of the Theban Cycle, offering innovative perspectives on themes like fratricide, hubris, and guilt. It challenges audiences to ponder alternatives—what if fratricide could be averted, or if peace could prevail over war?

The production will premiere on July 10 at Nicosia’s Makarios III Amphitheatre, School for the Blind, running for four nights. It will then move to the Ancient Amphitheatre of Kourion on July 19-20, followed by a performance at the Paphos Ancient Odeon on July 24. Larnaca will host the play as part of the Larnaca Festival 2024 on July 27, culminating in its final showing on July 31 at the Municipal Amphitheatre of Deryneia.

Performance Schedule: