The emblematic poem “The Free Besieged,” by Dionysios Solomos, came to life with the contribution of the residents of Elefsina and the surrounding areas, directed by Eleni Efthymiou and with an original score by Sofia Kamagianni, with the participation of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Elefsina. The site-specific performance run for two evenings, on June 25-26 2021, at the packed Parking lot of the Old Olive Mill, captivating the audience by reviving the struggles for the liberation of Greece. Apart form the historical references,, “The Free Besieged” by Eleni Efthymiou transported the audience from heroic Messolonghi to the here and now, asking the question: “Are we truly Free?” In our modern reality, where people with special needs are marginalized, people who do not follow social norms fall victim to physical and psychological violence, while today’s women continue to fight for equality and are opposed to all forms of gender-based violence, the above question is more relevant than ever.
Apart from the 5 professional actors, the performance featured 55 residents from Elefsina, Magoula, Aspropyrgos, Megalo Pefko and Mandra, of all ages, 8 to 78 years old, selected via an open call by Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture. After rehearsing on a daily basis, each of them contributed to the successful completion of the project. While, the participants from the “Evrinomi” Day Care Center for People with Mental Disabilities enriched the show with their dynamic presence, reminding us of the urgent need for our society to become as fully inclusive as possible. The whole project was carried out with the valuable contribution of the collectivities of the city.
Lastly, 18 people from the Philharmonic of the Municipality of Elefsina, conducted by Christos Maroungas, colored the performance with captivating sounds, at times mimicking the roar of the besiegers and, at other times, using their melodies to accompany the heroic exodus of “The Free Besieged.”
The project “The Free Besieged” was presented on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821, by Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture and is part of its anniversary program, under the general title “Elefsina and the Revolution.”
Contributors
Direction/Dramaturgy: Eleni Efthymiou
Assistant Dramaturg: Maria Vardaka
Stage/Lighting Design: Zoi Molibda Fameli
Original Music Composition/Music Teaching: Sofia Kamagianni
Film Direction: Dimitris Zachos
Costume Design: Danae Elefsinioti
Assistant Costume Designer: Matina Mavragani
Assistant Director: Giannis Varvaresos
Photographs: Karol Jarek
Construction: Komninos Kousieras
Production Manager: Giannis Vagenas
Production/Production Management: Evangelos Konstas – Constantly Productions
With the participation of
actors: Myrto Goni, Dimitris Drosos, Ioannis Mastrogiannis, Theodosia Savvaki, Giannis Varvaresos
the residents of Elefsina: Athanasios Antoniou, Maria Antoniou, Maria Axypolitou, Grigoris Asimakopoulos, Thanos Verdis, Angeliki Vlachopanagou, Ioannis Gavalas, Athina Gavriilaki, Nikos Galanos, Katerina Gkika, Vanessa Glava, Marina Daskalou, Christos Dedeilias, Anastasia Dracopoulou, Nikolaos Drakoulas, Evangelis Zorzou, Maria Iatridou, Vangelis Kakoseos, Panagiota Kakoseou, Thalia Kallianta, Kyriakos Panagiotis Kabouras, Stavroula Kanaki, Froso Karakitsou, Maria Karelou, Vanassia Katsanebaki, Sotiris Katsanos, Anthi Kontogianni, Giorgos Kordis, Theodoros Korras, Sophia Linardou, Maria Lioura, Stavros Lourdis, Giannis Marinakis, Natassa Meni, Victoria Mixailou, Emmanouil Papoutsoglou, Metaxia Polizou, Konstantinos Prokopas, Nota Plesti, Natalia Routsolia, Marilena Sabani, Katerina Sarentziotou, Kostas Sidiropoulos, Sotiris Sidiropoulos, Zoi Seitani, Evangelia Totsika, Anastasia Tsoli, Maria Tsoukala, Areti Tsoumani, Pavlina Fourkioti, Maria Chavarioti, Stavros Chanas, Maria Charalambopoulou, Evi Chasioti, Maria Christopoulou, and others.
and musicians:
Clarinet: Giorgos Vlachos
Accordeon: Stavros Michalopoulos
Violin: Giannis Mastrogiannis
and the participation of the Philharmonic of the Municipality of Elefsina
Conductor: Christos P. Maroungas
Clarinet: Lambrini Karra, Serafeim Tafroglou, Chrysouls Marounga, Georgios Vlachos, Rafail Neos
Alto Saxophone: Pericles Tsiamalos
Baritone Saxophone: Vangelis Vasileiou
Cornets: Oleg Strekalov, Iliodoros Cornescu, Giannis Evangelou
French Horn: Nikos Kondylis, Manolis Kondylis
Euphonium: Lefteris Triantafillou
Trombone: Meletis Vasileiou, Nikos Tsiamalos
Tuba: Christos Vlachopanos, Giannis Vasileiou
Concert Bass Drum: Spiros Georgiadis
Snare Drum: Stratos Skafidas
Cymbals: Maria Liaskou
Sound recordings:
Panos Thoidis: G.Cassα
Recording: Noisebox studio
Thanks to the following:
Dimitris Andronis, Theodoros Efstratiadis
“Evrinomi” Day Care Center for People with Mental Disabilities
Association of People with Special Needs of West Attica
Panelefsinian Athletic & Cultural Club
Minor Asia Association of Eleusis Choir
Thriassion Plain Volunteers Association
Polyphonic – Choir / Vocal Ensemble of Thriassion Plain Epirotes
Attica Rehabilitation Center
Direction and association of the 7th Primary School of Elefsina
