Because we believe that education—in the broad sense of personal development—is not limited to the imparting of knowledge, we invite you on Sunday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m., to join us for a wonderful cultural experience at our city’s theater.

INFORMATION

Performance date: 12/15/2024

Show start time: 7:00 p.m.

Ticket prices: Premium Section: 35€, Section A: 30€

Duration:160’

For information and registration, please contact the Secretariat by November 28, 2024.

The Piraeus Municipal Theater presents :

Anton Chekhov‘s masterpiece

“Uncle Vanya”

Directed by Dimitris Kataleifos

Dimitris Kataleifos returns to the stage for the 2024–25 season and has chosen to direct Anton Chekhov’s iconic “Uncle Vanya” at the Piraeus Municipal Theater.

He himself will play the title role, while a remarkable cast (Cleopatra Tologou, Panagiotis Bougiouris, Vangelis Rokkos, Menelaos Chazarakis, Amalia Ninou, Jenny Theona, Stella Kruska, Phoebus Samartzis) will bring to life the deeply human Chekhovian characters who are tossed about by their constant disappointments and question the meaning of their existence.

Considered the most “Chekhovian”—as it has been described—of the Russian author’s works, it is regarded as one of the masterpieces of world drama. In it, Chekhov skillfully sketches the major social changes that are brewing and envisions a future closer to human values, while at the same time inviting us to reflect on life, love, death, and the meaning of our existence.

Dimitris Kataleifos’s directorial approach will be based on Chrysa Prokopaki’s solid translation . The set design is by Mikaela Liakata, the costumes by Vasiliki Syrma, the lighting by Andreas Sinanos, and the music and sound design by Stavros Gasparatos.

The Project

“Uncle Vanya” premiered in 1899, directed by Konstantin Stanislavski, starring Stanislavski himself, his wife Lilina, and Olga Knipper, Chekhov’s wife.

The plot of the play—which Chekhov describes as “scenes from village life in four acts”— takes place at a country estate in Russia and explores the lives of people who feel trapped in a state of futility and disappointment.

The story centers on Uncle Vanya, who has devoted his life to managing the family estate on behalf of his brother-in-law, the now-retired Professor Serebryakov. When Serebryakov, along with his young and beautiful wife, Yelena, comes to live on the estate, his presence causes a stir. Vanya, disillusioned with his life and his pointless devotion to the professor, realizes that he has wasted his years on futile endeavors.

Meanwhile, Dr. Astrov, who frequently visits the estate, is captivated by Yelena, while Sonya, the professor’s daughter from his first marriage, is in love with Astrov. However, these feelings go unrequited, causing emotional turmoil and sorrow for the characters.

The work reflects a sense of disappointment, unfulfilled love, and the search for the meaning of life—themes that remain timeless and are still relevant today.

Note by Dimitris Kataleifos

“Chekhov was and remains one of the most beloved playwrights of my generation. Uncle Vanya is one of his four great plays, featuring characters that most actors dream of bringing to life.”

When Nikos Diamantis made me the honorary offer to present a production at the Piraeus Municipal Theater, the idea and desire to do *Uncle Vanya* came to me spontaneously. I took the risk—beyond just playing the title role—to direct this play, which addresses many themes of life, but with the theme of time being the most prominent.

Time and Man. Despite the enormous changes that have taken place from the time it was written—shortly before 1900—to the present day, the human soul’s anguish over time lost and time remaining remains the same. The gap between what we dream of and what we ultimately experience—which leaves us unsatisfied—remains a timeless sorrow. And human resilience is a timeless trait.

“Uncle Vanya” is a collaborative effort, and all of us involved in the production are striving to serve it with love. I hope we can capture and bring out some of its profound poetry.”

Contributors

Translation: Chrysa Prokopaki

Directed by: Dimitris Kataleifos

Set Design: Mikaela Liakata

Costumes: Vasiliki Syrma

Music and Sound Design: Stavros Gasparatos

Lighting: Andreas Sinanos

Choreography: Stella Kruska

Assistant Directors: Phoebus Samartzis, Tigran Abramian

Assistant Set Designer: Xenia Kouvela

Assistant Costume Designer A: Dimitra Sarri

Assistant Costume Designer B: Katerina Andrianou

Assistant Composer: Alexandra Katerinopoulou

Cannon Operator: Romanos Katsaris

Tutor: Tigran Abramian

Costume Design: Evangelia Tsiouni, Giorgos Parliaros

Shoe Manufacturing: Iliotherma and Andrioti Shoes

Metal Set Construction: Kostas Kairis

Wooden sets and set painting: Konstantinos Tzampounakis

Photos – trailer: Patroklos Skafidas

Production Manager: Efi Panourgia

Production Director: Yannis Koulouris

Contact – Production Press Office: Maria Tsolaki

Social Media – Advertising: Renegade Media, Vasilis Zarkadoulas

Co-production: Technihoros

Cast (in order of appearance):

Name: Cleopatra Tologou

Dr. Astrov: Panagiotis Bougiouris

Vanias: Dimitris Kataleifos

Serebriakov: Vangelis Rokkos

Telyegin: Menelaos Chazarakis

Sonia: Amalia Ninou

Elena: Jenny Theona

Maria Vasilievna: Stella Kruska

Editor: Phoebus Samartzis

Piraeus Municipal Theater

32 Herakleion Polytechnic Ave., Piraeus 185 35

“Municipal Theater” Metro Station, Line 3 (blue) – terminal station