ANCIENT ZONE
Archeological site of Mesivria-Zone, Thrace,, Greece
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Anamnesis performance on August 3, 2020, drew 600 attendees, with another 500 at the open rehearsal, demonstrating its powerful vision to reconnect with ancient wisdom through transformative art.
"Ancient Zone" took place at the stunning archaeological site of Zoni-Mesimvria, featuring the marble sanctuary of Demeter and the expansive sanctuary of Apollo from the 7th century BC. This Classical-era Samothrace colony along the Alexandroupolis coast provided a unique glimpse into the rich legacy of ancient Thrace.
An Invitation
Apostolia Papadamaki’s choreography invites us to remember the cultivation of peace, equality, harmonious coexistence, mutual understanding, and social cohesion—values and concepts that have shaped this land on the shores of the multifaceted Thracian Sea over the centuries.
The journey begins with an invitation to the audience to salute the four cardinal directions, emphasizing Zone’s connection to the sun god Apollo.
As the performance unfolds, spectators are called to participate in a choreographed ritual beneath the rising Full Moon from the Thracian Sea, accompanied by staged narratives of ancient Greek texts.
Through the meticulous merging of performance art and ancient wisdom, "Ancient Zone" creates a shared space where all participants can connect deeply with their cultural heritage, nature, and the cosmos.
The core artistic team consists of composer Trifon Koutsourelis, acclaimed Greek actor Yiannis Stankoglou, and lead vocalist Maria Papageorgiou, with ancient Orphic hymns curated by philologist Eleni Koulizaki.
Supporting Organisations & Sponsors
The performance was implemented in collaboration with the Municipality of Alexandroupolis and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Evros, under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Premiere: 03/08/2020
ANCIENT ZONE
Credits
Direction, choreography
Apostolia Papadamaki
Original music
Trifon Koutsourelis
On Stage
Actor
Yiannis Stankoglou
Singer / Vocalist
Maria Papageorgiou
Performer
Apostolia Papadamaki
Dancers
Konstantina Liontou, Antonis Strouzas.
Volunteer Coordinators: Katerina Agorogiani and Nefeli Themeli.
Children volunteer performers: Nikoletta Georgiadis, Evangelina Karga, Panagiota Georgiadis, Agapi Dalatsi, Eleni Daroglou, Mysrini Michailidi, Maritina Piperoudi, Phoebe Stankoglou, Xristina Chatzistavrou, Freideriki Tilkeridou, Christina Chatzistavrou.
Adult volunteer performers: members from the Experimental Theatre stage of Alexandroupolis.
Special thanks to Astir Egnatia Hotel - Grecotel for providing hospitality to our artistic team members.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Mayor of Alexandroupolis Ioannis Zamboukis, General Secretary Ioannis Bogdis, archaeologist Xenia Aitatoglou, photographer Theodosis Giannakidis, Elsa Athanasiadou Dance School, MGS Ethnikos Alexandroupolis Dance School, Choroekfrasi, Namaste, Fix Dance Studio, and all the members of the local community of Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Scientific collaborator: Chrysafenia Pardalidou Archaeologist, Head of the Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Ephorate of Antiquities of Evros.
Assistant Choreographer: Konstantina Liontou
Press Office: Xenia Stouka
Graphic & Visual Designer: Areion Stefanidis
Video documentation & photography: Dimitris Alexoudis Ancient Greek Language Tutoring: Eleni Koulizaki
Lighting designer: Ioannis Kyriakakis
Assistants to the director: Palmyra Giannakidis, and Maria Pirpiri