The National Theatre of Northern Greece presents a new action called “
THESSALONIKI- Excavation 1”. It's a trip down memory lane in Thessaloniki’s neighbourhoods through the texts of some of the city’s greatest authors and it will be a tribute presented in early November.
During the archaeological excavations layers of earth are removed mechanically or manually, the findings are analysed, recorded, classified and put on display. Something similar will be applied during the tribute to Thessaloniki and its neighbourhoods. A significant amount of great literary texts will be removed, just like the layers of earth, as they are invaluable.
G. Themelis, G. Tzanis, N. Kavvadias, F. Makris, N. Kokkalidou-Nahmia, G. Vafopoulos, D. Miggas, Z. Karelli, Th. Grigoriadis, G. Gkozis, A. Nar, K. Moskof, N. Christianopoulos, K. Tahtsis, Ch. Missios, G. Skabardonis and R. Thornton represent this layer in an excavation in the city of Thessaloniki that has a social and literary content.
The tribute to Thessaloniki and its neighbourhoods will be presented by groups of four actors from the National Theatre of Northern Greece, who will recite these texts. The aim is to present the action “THESSALONIKI- Excavation 1” in all of the city's municipalities, in alternative areas, in museums, in secondary schools, in prisons etc.
Most of Thessaloniki's municipalities assist in the efforts of the National Theatre of Northern Greece. The municipalities of Kalamaria, Ampelokipon-Menemenis, Neapolis-Sikeon, Kordeliou-Evosmou have already expressed their interest and support and in the following days there will be meetings with the rest of the local authorities.
The texts are accompanied with songs and music, and they shed light on the life of the old and modern city. Such an effort is a valuable form of heritage that can pass historical memory on to future generations in a vivid way and encourage more similar initiatives.
It is the duty of the Theatre, the municipalities and all the city’s institutions to bring back memories of the Kapani open market, the children during the German occupation, little Memetaki selling cigarettes at Pavlou Mela area, Smaro from Kalamaria area, Mimis Aroukatos, the footballer of the local team of Kordelio area, Stefanos Karakotas, the public prosecutor eating cotton candy at the promenade secretely, Salonicai Jako Sulema, returning to Thessaloniki –his birth city– after forty years.
The NTNG is undertaking an initial rescue excavation of a field affected by erosion. Its role is to limit the destruction of memory, to not let oblivion arise. And more excavations will follow during the theatrical season.
“
THESSALONIKI – Excavation 1”
Staged reading about Thessaloniki and its neighbourhoods
Choice of texts: Maria Tsima
1st group of actors:
Apollon Drikoudis, Nikos Kolovos, Roula Pantelidou, Giorgos Sfyridis
2nd group of actors:
Nasia Georgiou, Kostas Itsios, Alexandros Moukanos, Nikos Polozianis