National Theatre of Northern Greece presents
“Z”, on Saturday
26th May 2012. It is a theatrical role play,
homage from NTNG to Grigoris Lambrakis.
Grigoris Karantinakis’ concept
“Z”, directed by Giannis Rigas, following the facts in the order that they occurred and performed in the same areas, was initially scheduled to be presented in May 2011. However, due to the fact that in 2012 we celebrate 100 years from his birth as well as 100 years from the date Thessaloniki was liberated, it is presented this year.
Grigoris Lambrakis is still a symbol for democracy and represents every man who struggles to be free, because of his personality and action. His life and death have inspired writer Vassilis Vassilikos to write “Z”, a political novel that in 1969 became a popular film directed by Kostas Gavras and starring Yves Montand (Lambrakis), Jean Louis Trintignant (Sartzetakis), and Irene Pappas (Lambrakis’ wife).
Note from the Artistic Director
“Z” is another
opening of NTNG to the city. Following
“Coffee time Theatre”,
“In House Theatre” and
“Social Theatre Shop”, NTNG transforms the city to become a theatre, and proposes the alternative penetration of theatre into the citizens’ daily routine.
Theatre in our lives gives us the opportunity to escape our ordinary life and to present ourselves within a concept where fantasy, dream, and poetry come first.
Presenting an important fact of our city’s history, like the Lambrakis Case, NTNG is trying to demonstrate the importance of Lambrakis’ dream without getting involved with politics. Lambrakis’ dream is about peace and its power to unite, and art and its power to transform violence to an artistic expression. That given,
“Z” is currently NTNG’s contribution for the celebration of 100 years from the city’s liberation.
We would therefore like to thank
Lambrakis family,
Tsarouhas family,
Vassilis Vassilikos,
Kostas Gavras,
Giorgos Romaios, for taking part in “
“Z”.
Radio Thessaloniki and ERT3, for supporting the performance, the
Municipality of Thessaloniki,
EKAB,
OASTH, and all our institutions for their contribution in realizing the performance. I would also like to thank NTNG’s actors and actresses, the
Drama School students, and all volunteers who will participate.
SOTIRIS HATZAKIS
NTNG’s
“Z” will be presented on Saturday
26th May 2012 at 20:00 on Ermou & Venizelou streets, close to Lambrakis’ monument. Vassilis Vassilikos will attend the presentation who will recite from his book “Z”, while screens will be playing parts of Kostas Gavras movie. We will also have the chance to hear live speeches from the son of Grigoris Lambrakis, from the daughter of Giorgos Tsarouhas, Kaiti Tsarouha, who was also attacked that day, from the politician, journalist, and writer Giorgos Romaios whose bold writing is partially responsible for revealing the true facts of that time, and a greeting from Kostas Gavras will be read.
Following the facts of that day, actors of NTNG, students from the
Drama School as well as volunteers participating in
“Z” will recreate the facts of that day and a symbolic demonstration will follow leading to Venizelou and Egnatia streets.
Two stops are currently scheduled. The first on Egnatia Street, an homage to Giorgos Tsarouhas, and the second to give the chance to all to listen to Mikis Theodorakis’ “Mera Magiou” from Giannis Ritsos “Epitaphios”. (The song was heard in the funeral of Grigoris Lambrakis that was attended by over 500,000 people, although “Epitaphios” was originally written in 1936 for the demonstration of the tobacco workers of Thessaloniki and its violent resolution.
The demonstration will lead to AHEPA hospital, where Lambrakis died four days after the assault, in order for people to leave flowers and candles when
“Z” will end.