By Chrystalla Hadjidimitriou *:
This year we will see the summer performance of THOK in the amphitheater of the School for the Blind, in Kourion, in Deryneia, in Larnaca, in the Ancient Conservatory of Paphos. Returning to reality. Salamis is under Turkish occupation. Even that night that seemed magical, with the sea air of Famagusta cooling the ancient theater, was only one night that the conquerors allowed us to live. And it depends on them and the various coordinators how many such nights we are entitled to live. We are not free to upload performances and any performances we want in Salamina, despite our euphoria last year that made us forget the terms of reality. We also saw it with the service in Agios Georgios the Exorino. It is the conqueror who holds the key and he gives the order for when we can put our cross in the occupied churches.
The bridges of peace, reconciliation, mutual respect and understanding that THOK believed were built with Antigone and Hippolytus did not lead even one step further than where we were. The late interest of the political leaders in the theater was obvious that it was fake. And they returned to the roles and shows they know, while once again it turned out that our problem is not to coexist in a show, in a concert, in a celebration. In Cyprus there is occupation and it is not solved with theatrical events and other painkillers.
On the 14th of the month, there will be Turkish subtitles in the show at the School for the Blind. Maybe some of last year's audience want to continue their education in the theater. But who wants to see a work that records, as THOK says in a press release, the triumph of the Greek spirit over Persian arrogance (which could also be translated as Turkish arrogance)?
Four thousand watched Antigone in Salamis last year. This year, without political aspects, theatrical fans may reach pre-politicization levels. Another illusion erupted like a wave on the rocks leaving that bitter taste that always remains when you realize defeat.
And it may not have been the Auditor General's intervention that led to the end of such a prominent move. Not even the division that was caused each time. In Cyprus we have occupation. And every move we make ends up reminding us.
* Source: FILELEFTHEROS