AHNA: “Half a Century of Silence” – Memorial Concert for Cyprus of 1974

On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion, the Achna Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa presents on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Central Square of Achna Forest, at 20:00 PM, the anti-occupation concert "Half a Century of Silence" - a musical work of memory and honor, which narrates through music and speech the traumatic experience of 1974.

The concert is based on seven true testimonies of people who experienced the invasion, which were transformed into theatrical monologues and lyrics by Maria Hatziafxenti, a refugee herself.

The texts formed the basis for the creation of a complete musical work by the acclaimed composer Andreas Katsigiannis, who also wrote the musical score, conveying the essence of the lyrics in a unique style.

The interpretation of the songs is undertaken by Maria Theodotou, the main performer and producer of the work, flanked by exceptional performers – Koulis Theodorou, Petros Kouloumis, Dimitris Mesimeris and Frideriki Tombazou. The theatrical monologues are brought to life through the narrations of Maria Hatziafxenti and Giorgos Evagorou.

The directorial direction belongs to Christoforos Herodotou, with a stage environment that utilizes video projections and theatrical media, offering a powerful, experiential experience that transports the audience to those dark days of the invasion.

The 2,5-hour concert also includes iconic songs written for Cyprus in 1974, as well as narratives of real events of the time.

Directed by: Christoforos Herodotou

Program curator: Maria Theodotou

Production supervision: Panos Petrides

Orchestration & Conducting: Michalis Messios

The concert "Half a Century of Silence" is not only an artistic event; it is an event of historical consciousness and collective memory. A musical testimony of the soul, dedicated to those who lived, suffered and do not forget.