Editor’s Note: It was truly inspiring to witness authentic Cypriot culture making such significant strides on international stages, showcasing the remarkable depth and creativity of our island’s artistic community.
Third Edition Delivered Outstanding Cultural Exchange
The prestigious National Theatre of Greece successfully hosted exceptional Cypriot theatrical talent from September 10-17, 2025. Three outstanding productions that had made waves across Cyprus in 2024 graced the historic Tsiller Building stages, marking what proved to be the most successful edition of Cyprus Theatre Week to date.
This cultural celebration represented a masterful collaborative effort between the Department of Contemporary Culture Cyprus, the Cyprus Centre of the ITI, and Greece’s National Theatre, with crucial support from Cyprus House in Athens.
Powerful Opening Set the Tone
The festival launched magnificently with Costas Mannouris’s compelling work “From My Mother’s Womb” on the Main Stage. Under Varnavas Kyriazis’s skilled direction and produced by Satirical Theatre, this production delivered the emotional depth that had distinguished it back home in Cyprus.
Theatre enthusiasts experienced this remarkable drama across two sold-out performances on September 10 and 11, establishing a powerful and moving tone for the week-long cultural exchange.
Literary Adaptation Impressed Critics
September 12 brought Stefan Zweig’s renowned “Chess Novel” to the “Nikos Kourkoulos” Stage with remarkable success. This Audere Productions presentation featured adaptation and direction by Andris Irakleous and Sofia Mavromichali, who successfully transformed the classic literary work into compelling theatre.
The production showcased the innovative approach that has come to define contemporary Cypriot theatre makers in breathing new life into established literary classics, earning praise from both audiences and critics.
Classical Finale Brought Standing Ovations
The festival reached its emotional crescendo on September 17 with Georgios Vizyenos’s autobiographical masterpiece “My Mother’s Sin.” Marina Vronti’s thoughtful adaptation, brought to life by ETHAL (Limassol Theatre Development Company), transformed this beloved Greek literary work into a dynamic stage performance that moved audiences to tears.
This closing production perfectly demonstrated the deep cultural connections between Cyprus and Greece, bridging classical literature with contemporary theatrical expression in ways that resonated powerfully with Greek audiences.
Cultural Connections Strengthened Beyond Expectations
Cyprus Theatre Week proved to be far more than entertainment—it served as a vital cultural bridge that successfully connected two nations through artistic expression. The festival provided Cypriot theatre companies https://www.facebook.com/SpitiKyprou with invaluable international exposure while offering Greek audiences fresh perspectives on familiar themes that they embraced enthusiastically.
The event demonstrated beautifully how theatre transcends borders, creating meaningful dialogue between artists and audiences across the Mediterranean. Each production selected for 2025 had represented the pinnacle of Cypriot theatrical achievement from 2024, and all three delivered on their promise.
What Happened:
- September 10-11: “From My Mother’s Womb” captivated audiences on the Main Stage
- September 12: “Chess Novel” impressed critics at the Nikos Kourkoulos Stage
- September 17: “My Mother’s Sin” concluded with standing ovations at the Nikos Kourkoulos Stage
Event Coverage: Εβδομάδα Κυπριακού Θεάτρου From: Deputy Ministry of Culture & Department of Contemporary Culture. First Notice: Deputy Ministry of Culture CY’s post, Also mentioned: Cyprus Centre of the ITI / Κυπριακό Κέντρο του ΔΙΘ
