Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood
World Premiere
Aeschylus' epic tragedy in Oresteia is transformed into an essential explosive human thriller.
Concept, direction, and performance by Rafika Chawishe
Writer : Aeschylus , Yiannis Ritsos ( Agamemnon )
We won the war! And now what?
How shall we persist in the living of our lives?
Following the success of Europeana (2018) and the esteemed "Ibsen Scholarship" at the Ibsen Awards, Rafika Chawishe makes her US debut at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club with a thought-provoking reimagining of Aeschylus' "Agamemnon."
"Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood" presents a powerful monologue enhanced by cinematic and media technology, blending classical storytelling with documentary realism. This adaptation delves into power struggles, warfare, and societal injustices, exploring the complexities of the West-Middle East relationship and the urgent call to break free from cycles of violence and war.
Witness the raw power of Clytemnestra as she navigates loss, betrayal, and the relentless cycle of bloodshed. Can we break free from the compulsion to repeat history's mistakes? How is it possible to stop the never-ending circle of blood? This production bridges ancient tragedy with contemporary issues and politics, prompting reflection on the West's relationship with the Middle East, the impact of colonialism, and the quest for peace in a world torn by conflict.
Concept, Adaptation, Direction and Performance: Rafika Chawishe
Actors: Manos Vakousis (Agamemnon), Rafika Chawishe (Clytemnestra), Chris Radanov (Aegisthus), Samuel Akinola (Herald),Ghada Khayat (Cassandra), Ioanna Angelidi (Lead Dancer) Mustapha Khalfoun (Translator), Ioanna Angelidi (Chorus)
Chorus: Addimando Paul, Georgía Abatzoglou, Thanasis Briannas, Akis Karagiannis, Angelitsa Kouloulia, Dimos Lolas, Konstantinos Michalas, Angeliki Papadimitriou, Anny Theodouli, Michalis Theodorakis, Ioanna Zerva
Art Direction: Michalis Argyrou,
Music and Sound Design (Stage & Film): Manolis Manousakis
Video Artist (liquid staging technique) and Film and Text Consultant: Asteris Koutoulas
Dramaturgy: Isabella Sedlak
Costume Design (Stage & Film): Despoina Chimonas
Lighting Designer: Melina Mascha
Assistant Lighting Designer : Ismini Starida
Assistant Director: Wichi
Location Recording (Film and Theatre), Recording Mixer: Kostas Stylianou
Lighting Design and DOP (Film): Dionysis Efthimiopoulos
Assistant Director Film: Dimitra Tsialou
DOP Assistant: Stratis Kourlis
Chief Electrician: Vangelis Papadatos
Grip: Giorgos Rigas
Make Up Artist: Maria Braliou
Hair Design: Alexia Karapanou
Prop Manager: Anestina Argyropoulou, Photography (Stage & Film): Patroklos Skafidas
Graphics: Thomas Palivos
Production Consultant: Vicky Strataki / Polypanity Productions,
Communication Manager: Michelle Tabanick
Production and Design (in Greece) by Titania Productions, Daydreams Productions, La MaMa Theatre
Liquid Staging Technique of Asteris Koutoulas
Supported by: The Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) and the Municipality of Northern Aegean
The film was shot in Athens and on the sandy beaches of the island Lemnos with the support of the North Aegean Region and under the auspices of EOT.