We recently watched "The Apology of Socrates" by Plato at the grove in Nea Smyrni, a play directed by Dimos Avdeliotis. As long as people like Avdeliotis continue to work, we don’t fear for our country. He is a beacon of sensibility, compensating the raggedness of modern society. He sees theatrical plays like musical scores and teaches his actors in a unique experiential way. He is simple and does not favor pretenses and aimless experimentation. The audience perceives his performances in the same way, regardless of age and level of education.

Excellent actors

Actor Vassilis Karaboulas, who played Socrates, performed an absolute theatrical feat. He had memorized the ancient text and was able to mesmerize viewers with the power of his words.

He didn’t know ancient Greek and it took him two years to memorize the text, carefully guided by the director. Giannis Koloi, who played Meletus, was also exceptional.

Too many spectators

At least a thousand people tuned up to watch the performance. On a Monday night, many people were able to put aside their fatigue and the melancholy of our times and listen to Socrates’ Apology without uttering a single word. An on-stage screen showed the translation of the text in Greek and English.

Next to the actor, stood a liquid filled hourglass that slowly dripped during the play. At times, it sounded almost gentle, like a drop of water slowly rolling on a flower petal. But there were also times that it could be perceived like a harsh, eerie beat inside the audience’s head. Time was running out for Socrates…
TEXT: GEORGE ZAFEIROPOULOS,
PHOTO: KORNILIA SIDIRA