For Theatre Enthusiasts It

Malta: Considered as the crossroad for Mediterranean culture and civilisation, is chosen for the International debut outside the shores of Italy, by the National Institute of Ancient Drama. For theatre enthusiasts, Ancient Greek Drama will be available in Malta at the Greek Theatre in Ta’Qali on the 27th, 28th and 29th of June at 20:30hrs (duration approx 76 minutes). This is being brought to Malta by the prestigious “National Institute of Ancient Drama” better known as INDA (Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico) of Syracuse a non-profit foundation established at the beginning of the twentieth century. Since its inception in 1913, INDA has been working to revive ancient drama by encouraging its performance in ancient theatres across Italy. For almost a century Syracuse (in Sicily) has been the main site where INDA's productions have been staged. However, performances organised by INDA are staged in other Greek and Roman theatres around Italy, such as: Segesta; Taormina; Pompeii; Benevento; Gubbio; and Trieste. This year, for the first time ever, INDA will take its production overseas and premiere in Malta with "The Supplices". These shows symbolise ancient drama, an ever effective way to investigate and reflect on humanity.

The Supplices of Aeschylus In order to avoid impious marriage with their cousins, Danao's daughters fled from Egypt. Under the guidance of their father they seek refuge on the Argive coast where they supplicate Pelasgo, king of Argo, to whom they explain, at length, the reasons for their escape and the history of their ancestry. Whilst appearing foreign due to their exotic appearance and clothing, they claim to be of Argive origin. They profess to be the descendents of the maiden Io, progeny of Argive, who was loved and impregnated by Zeus and persecuted by Era. Transformed into a cow and tormented by the sting of a horsefly and after much wandering Io arrived in Egypt where she had given birth to Epafo, their ancestor. The King listens to the plea of the Danaidi but hesitates in granting his protection as he might prejudice the safety and the lives of his people. The situation becomes complicated when the maidens plot to commit suicide by hanging from the statues of the Gods thus profaning the place. The only solution possible for the King is to find the support and consensus of his people. He summons a democratic assembly ante litteram, in which the Argivi decide to welcome the Danaidi. After offering his prayers in the temple of the city, Danao takes this news to his daughters. Danao and the maidens rejoice. But their celebration is short lived as in the distance they can fathom on the horizon Egyptian ships heading towards the coast. The messenger arrives, bursting on to the scene, and insults the Danaidi, cursing and commanding them to head for the ships but the King protects them. The intruders are driven away parting with threats of war. The Danaidi enter Argo to take up residence and urged by their father they behave with solemnity and gratitude towards the public that had heard their plea.

Tickets cost €12 and are available online from www.maltaticket.com, or can be purchased directly form the following outlets: Agenda Bookshop, Bookends, Exotique (VSC Ltd.), Newskiosk and Vodafone. For more information please phone the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce on 21244895 / 27223327 or email [email protected].