THEATRE AND MOONLIGHT AT OTHELLO CASTLE

THEATRE AND MOONLIGHT AT OTHELLO CASTLE

“A NIGHT AT THE CASTLE” RECEIVES AUDIENCE ACCLAIM

Introduction by Chris Elliott…

I was interested to translate and read the following news from the Famagusta Municipality about the recent theatre event featuring Shakespearean characters at the Othello Castle, and I was reminded of the article we published by Peter Wills of North Cyprus Film about the play A 400 Year Resurrection Of William Shakespeare.

Actors and a film crew arrived in North Cyprus in May 2016 and headed for Othello’s Tower in Famagusta to film shots for the play, which was being featured in the London Festival, and you can view the video at the foot of this article.

THEATRE AND MOONLIGHT AT OTHELLO CASTLE

Organised by Famagusta Municipality with Arkın Group as accommodation sponsor and TRNC Telsim Vodafone Group Company as communication sponsor, the 25th International Famagusta Culture and Art Festival included a theatre event at the historic Othello Castle on July 10 and 11. The performance, “A Night at the Castle,” combined theatre with Shakespearean characters and themes related to Cypriot identity, taking place outdoors in the evening.

The play presented two Cypriot couples, one Greek and one Turkish, whose personal struggles were paralleled with characters from Shakespeare’s works, such as Othello, Desdemona, Macbeth, Katherina, and Hermia, following the appearance of a Djinn (Daemon). The production featured scenes blending reality and fantasy, incorporating moments intended to evoke both reflection and amusement among the audience.

Directed by Achilleas Grammatikopoulos, this bilingual performance was conceptualised by Giorgos Giannou (stage and costume design) and Sais (live music). Actors Izel Seylani, Zehra Evliya, Giorgos Evagorou, Maria Mesariti, and Anthi Kasinou participated in the performance.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT ON UNITY

After the performance, director Achilleas Grammatikopoulos extended thanks to the Famagusta Municipality, the audience, and the municipal employees involved. He noted the challenges and significance of bringing together Turkish and Greek Cypriot actors, highlighting the possibility of collaboration despite language differences, and conveyed a message focused on shared human experiences.

ATTENDANCE FROM VARIOUS SECTORS

The event attracted attendees from the arts community, diplomatic representatives, and local government officials. Notable guests included Republican Turkish Party Famagusta Deputies Teberrüken Uluçay and Şifa Çolakoğlu, Famagusta Mayor Süleyman Uluçay, municipal council members, Nicosia Turkish Municipality Mayor Mehmet Harmancı, South Famagusta Deputy Mayor Chrysanthos Zannettos and his spouse, Italian Ambassador Federica Ferrari Bravo, French Ambassador Clelia Chevrier Kolačko, and former Mayor of Derinya Andros Karayannis.

Mayor Süleyman Uluçay presented flowers to the actors following the conclusion of the performance.

CANDAN ERÇETİN CONCERT – TICKET AVAILABILITY

It was also announced that tickets for Candan Erçetin’s concert on July 15 at the Salamis Ancient Theatre, part of the 25th International Famagusta Culture and Arts Festival, have sold out. This concert marks the final event of the festival.

Source(Turkish): Famagusta Municipality

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