Love and hate between two queens

Concluding November’s agenda at Rialto Theatre is one of the most acclaimed theatrical performances of the past years, Alarme. Directed by Theodoros Terzopoulos, the play will be brought to Rialto’s stage on Saturday as part of the tribute organised in honour of director T Terzopoulos, internationally celebrated with the likes of Brook, Grotowski, Suzuki and Wilson.

Premiered in Athens in 2010, Alarme received critical acclaim during three theatrical seasons. Today, ten years later, the play is back at Attis Theatre with the same cast and creatives, while also travelling to major festivals and theatres worldwide, receiving rave reviews.

A scenic composition based on the correspondence between Queen Elizabeth A’ and Maria Stewart, Alarme illustrates the love-hatred relationship between the two queens who, in reality, never really met, highlighting the relevant topic of power.

The play centres around the fatal confrontation of the two women, which exceeds their claim to power. There exists a constant desire for fusion that oppresses them both, with the boundaries of their individuality being blurred, just like their ego. The two women repel invincible lust in an endless tug-o-war. Behind this war, lies a peculiar eroticism, an absolute form of love that frightens them much more than hatred and violence. Through this dynamic, which remains unspoken until the very end, they are being driven to collapse and destruction.

In this ingenious performance, considered by audience and critics alike as a milestone in the world theatre repertoire, acclaimed actors Sophia Hill, Aglaia Pappa and Tasos Dimas take the lead. Theodoros Terzopoulos, accompanied by his cast and collaborators will be present for the entire duration of this Tribute organised in his honour by the Rialto Theatre and the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of Cyprus University of Technology with the support of the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute.

Finally, a Workshop will be held on November 27 titled An Introduction to Terzopoulos’ Method led by Savvas Stroumbos, addressed to actors/actresses and drama school students.

Alarme

Acclaimed performance, directed by Theodoros Terzopoulos travels to Limassol. November 25. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm. €15-20. In Greek with surtitles in English. www.rialto.com.cy