site.btaANA-MPA Editor-in-Chief Praises "The Bacchae" as Successful Collaboration between Two Leading Balkan Theatre Institutions

The production of The Bacchae is a shared challenge undertaken by two leading theatre institutions in the Balkans, Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) Editor-in-Chief John Georgiou said during the presentation of Ivan Vazov National Theatre's summer tour in Greece at the BTA National Press Club in Athens on Monday.

According to him, the challenge lies in the cooperation and joint work between the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia and the National Theatre of Northern Greece.

"At the same time, it is also a kind of artistic wager involving an exceptionally distinctive and demanding text from ancient Greek literature – a text with a pronounced national and cultural character that addresses a theme which is always relevant, and especially significant for our Balkans: overcoming and reconciling human contradictions and inner demons," Georgiou said.

In his view, for audiences the production offers an opportunity to see a Balkan interpretation of The Bacchae with a distinctly international character. He highlighted the choice of live music, noting that although its use has become relatively common in recent years, in this case it is performed by an ensemble of an exceptionally high calibre.

The ANA-MPA Editor-in-Chief said that the choice of the British band Tiger Lillies, which enjoys an international career and recognition, was of particular importance in creating the distinctive stage atmosphere required by the production.

"I believe that the artistic team fully rose to this challenge and won this creative wager," Georgiou said.

In conclusion, he congratulated the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the National Theatre of Northern Greece and everyone involved in the production, wished them success in the upcoming performances, and thanked them for the invitation to attend the event.