Of Love and Death

Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus. An event dedicated to the memory of G. P. Savvidis (1929-1995)

Anthology: G.P. Savvidis, Michalis Pieris

The poems are read by: Stavros Aroditis, Chariton Iosifides, Nicholas Kakkoufa, Stella Michael, Gregoris Papagregoriou, Marianna Paphiti, Christina Pieri, Angela Savidou, Myria Hadjimatthaiou, Michalis Pieris.

The songs are performed by: Christina Pieri, Gregoris Papagregoriou

Music by: Psarantonis, Christos Pittas, Evagoras Karageorgis, Hainides, Andreas Roussis and Manos Hadjidakis.

C. P. Cavafy’s poem “To Sensual Pleasure” is presented in a live recording by G. P. Savvidis.

With the research approach that has been characterising its operation so far, the Theatrical Workshop of the University of Cyprus has prepared this year an event that explores the binary “Love-Death” in Modern Greek poetry. The poetry reading highlights the dialectical relationship between love and death through a selection of prominent modern Greek poems from the 16th century until today. The poetry readings are enriched with interpretations of songs that comment on issues and patterns represented in the poems of the anthology, intensify their artistic effect, and highlight the interaction between poetry and music.

The programme includes poems by the Anonymous Cypriot poet of the 16the century, as well as by the poets Vitsentzos Kornaros (17th century), Georgios Chortatsis (17th century), Dionysios Solomos (1798-1857), Aristotelis Valaoritis (1824-1879), Vasilis Michaelides (1849-1917), Kostis Palamas (1859-1943), C. P. Cavafy (1863-1933), Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), Angelos Sikelianos (1884-1951), K. G. Karyotakis (1896-1928), Yannis Skarimbas (1897-1984), George Seferis (1900-1971), Andreas Empeirikos (1901-1975), Zoe Karelli (1901-1998), Maria Polydouri (1901-1930), Yannis Ritsos (1909-1990), Nikos Kavvadias (1910-1975), Nikos Engonopoulos (1910-1985), Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996), Costas Montis (1914-2004), Takis Sinopoulos (1917 to 1981), and Georgis Pavlopoulos (1924-2008).