Because education—in the broad sense of upbringing—is not limited to the imparting of knowledge, we invite anyone who is interested on Sunday, December 3, at 8:00 p.m., to join us for a wonderful cultural experience at our city’s theater.

The play “Elefas” by Kostas Bostantzoglou, directed by Lefteris Giovanidis, uses dark humor to depict a society whose traits and behaviors we strive daily to eradicate through the education of our children.

THE ELEPHANT

by Kostas Bostantzoglou | Directed by Lefteris Giovanidis

https://www.dithepi.gr/el/events/4802/

A harsh and bitter comedy or a mercilessly sarcastic drama? Certainly a work of contrasts. The Elephant presents heroes who are completely ignorant yet boastful, immoral yet moralistic, deeply violent and repulsive yet terrifyingly familiar.

Even if one of the characters in the play ultimately seems to find moral redemption through a desperate act, they all remain tragic figures who reflect a Greek reality that is not so distant.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

“Don’t we say ‘an elephant’s memory’?” asks Mitsos. “An elephant never forgets and takes revenge for the wrongs you’ve done to it.” This thought drives Bostantzoglou’s main character, who, trapped in a toxic family, is trying to find redemption. She no longer wants to have nightmares. She feels like an elephant that never forgets and now seeks revenge for whatever harm has been done to her.

With his dark humor, the author depicts a society plagued by racist attitudes and a fixation on the past. The characters’ superficial knowledge leads them to believe they know everything. Domestic violence, a lack of moral values, and disregard for the laws of the state are central features of their daily lives. They have a complete lack of aesthetic sensibility and, without any sense of shame, they abuse the Greek language. These are people who have learned to judge and accuse, without any inclination toward self-criticism, in a society where dignity and mutual respect are in decline.

A humble dish of lentils and a decorative concrete swan are, not coincidentally, the symbols of the work for the author.

All of us, trapped in our own little worlds, assume that such behaviors can no longer exist in modern Greek society. And yet, in reality, they do exist, and they have a devastating, all-consuming effect on people’s consciences.

PERFORMANCE IDENTITY

Directed by: Lefteris Giovanidis

Set Design – Costumes: Eleni Manolopoulou

Music: Dimitris Roidis

Choreography: Alexis Fousekis

Lighting: Alekos Anastasiou

Assistant Director: Chrysso Charalambous

Photos: Konstantinos Lepouris

Visual Identity: Loukas Ziaras & Christos Kalaitzoglou

Production Company: LOOX.Media

Starring: Giorgos Giannopoulos, Bessy Malfa, Vangelis Daousis, Stefania Zora.