Aurelia in the World: The Asceticism of Love

Description

A unique performance of music and spoken word, based on the extraordinary life and boundless service to humanity of Aurelia Papagianni (Elder Gavrilia), who was born in Constantinople in 1897 and passed away on the island of Leros in 1992.

If we accept that the most beautiful image of a human being is shaped through continuous and unconditional self-sacrifice for others, whether near or far, then Aurelia embodies the highest expression of beauty and grace that a person can attain. The seven musicians of the in excelsis ensemble and the eight choristers of the Synagma Music Workshop create a dreamlike soundscape woven from Byzantine hymns, compositions of the Ottoman classical tradition, and contemporary musical settings. Within this sonic landscape, Aurelia’s remarkable personality is illuminated and brought to life.

Unexpected literary narratives drawn from episodes of her life evoke surprise and curiosity, admiration and deep emotion. The audience is invited to embark on an unforgettable journey to the farthest reaches of the world—to the places where Aurelia traveled, worked, served, and ultimately attained holiness.

Contributors

Direction: Panagiotis Gizotis
Musicians (in excelsis): Lucia Konstantatou (vocals, qanun), Sophia Tzeni (vocals), Elsa Papeli (cello), Chrysanthi Gkika (Constantinopolitan lyra), Giorgos Ventouris (double bass), Kostas Konstantatos (vocals, percussion), Nektarios Stamatellos (ney)
Choir: Mixed eight-member Byzantine Choir of the Synagma Music School, under the direction of Protopsaltis Nikolaos Fragakis
Original musical compositions: Members of in excelsis
Curation and selection of hymns and Ottoman compositions: Kostas Konstantatos, Lucia Konstantatou
Literary adaptation of the hymns into Modern Greek: Argyro Kasotaki-Gatopoulou
Recitation of the dramatized texts and the literary renderings of the hymns into Modern Greek: Angelina Tersenidou
Scenariocenario-Direction: Panagiotis Gizotis
Collaboration-artistic production Liminal project
NPO

Aeon Logos Theatre

Information

The event is offered for free by the Ministry of Culture.
Advanced booking is necessary.

Duration

80'

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