Greek National Opera Ballet to Present 2 Shows in Cairo Opera House June 6,7

On Thursday, and Friday, the prestigious Greek National Opera Ballet will present two unique performances at one of Egypt's cultural landmarks, and iconic stages, Cairo Opera House.

The troupe will introduce two different shows: the first night will be dedicated to “Dance with My Own Shadow”, and the second night will be for “Return of Summer” and “Les Nuitsd’été”.

Yesterday, the Greek Embassy in Cairo organized a reception on the occasion of the Greek National Opera Ballet  House's visit and anticipated performances. 

The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests from the Greek Embassy in Cairo, including the Greek Ambassador to Cairo, the Arab Women Investors Union, and Greek Action Africa Foundation.

On their role in Egypt and charity, Mero Kececioglu, the President of Greek Action Africa," told SEE News that the foundation contributed in various projects in Egypt, including cultural and social activities in several parts in Egypt like Sharm El Sheikh, and Beni Suef where they equipped a hospital. In addition, the foundation provided 200 ladies in Fayoum with equipment to start their own projects. 

Furthermore, the foundation brought experienced nurses and medical team to train Egyptian nurses. Also, they brought famous fashion show and its proceeds were donated for people in Upper Egypt. 

Regarding the shows of the Greek National Opera Ballet, the proceeds of the performance on the 6th of June 2024 will be donated to the hospital founded by Greek Action Africa in the city of Beni Suef, Egypt.

In the same context, Dr. Hoda Galal Yassa, the President of the Arab Women Investors Union, told SEE News that the union is cooperating with the Greek parties in Cairo for this show as part of their vision to enhance the diplomatic ties between Egypt and Greece, as well as the peoples' connections, socially, and culturally. Using culture as a method to strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries is a great representation for the importance of soft power. 

Nikolaos Papageorgiou, the Greek Ambassador to Egypt, said that the performances of the Greek group are supported by generous partners. He added that the coming of the Greek National Opera Ballet and their performances in Egypt reflecting the deep cultural relationships between both countries, he also praised the work of Konstantinos Rigos. 

Papageorgiou asserted that improving the cultural ties between Egypt and Greece can be seen as an important tool to develop the bilateral ties between the two countries in more broader terms. 

The ambassador also praised the Nostos program, including its role in making a great connection between the Egyptian and the Greeks due to their mutual cultural, social, and historical similarities.

Finally, Konstantinos Rigos, the director of the  Greek National Opera Ballet, talked to SEE News about the upcoming shows in Cairo. He said that he is the choreographer of the first night "Dance with My Own shadow." The music of the performance is based on the music Manos Hadjidakis who is a well-known Greek music composer, and his works were appreciated worldwide. Rigos revealed that Hedjidakis music was one of his earliest inspirations. 

"Dance with My Own Shadow" reflects stories from three different areas and directions: north, east, and south. In addition, the story  of the show features parts from Greek fairytales and epics, in addition to some adapted parts from Kazantzakis' novel, "Zorbas".

Regarding the second night's, Return of Summer will reflect several classic and neo classical moves, while Les Nuits d’été will feature more modern and universal dances.