FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae,Pelopponese, Greece
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"From Darkness to Light" is a unique interactive and participatory site-specific performance presented over 24 hours, from sunset to dawn, at the Temple of Apollo Epikourios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 420 and 400 B.C.
From Darkness
to Light
Apostolia Papadamaki transforms the archaeological site into a living space of artistic expression and immersive ritual. Drawing on the ancient Greek tradition of ceremonial “incubations,” dancers, musicians, and spectators engage with archetypal themes of the human experience: the connection between body and soul, orientation with the cardinal directions, the elements of nature (fire, air, water, and earth), and the embodiment of darkness and light—culminating in the unifying principle of Love as expressed by Empedocles.
The first part of the performance, for 600 people, invites them to embark on a transformative journey through the five Greek elements—earth, fire, air, water, and ether. Guided by dancers, spectators are encouraged to physically embody these elements, creating a deeply immersive and participatory experience that brings life to this historic site.
Drawing inspiration from the awe-inspiring landscape, the second part, limited to 50 participants, offers a mystical experience. Participants honor the Full Moon rising behind the temple, sleep and dream under the stars, and awaken with the Sun—completing a journey both literally and metaphorically “From Darkness to Light.”
Award-winning composer Trifon Koutsourelis crafted a one-of-a-kind musical score, along with a site-specific sound installation and a three-dimensional “sonic sphere.” This enveloping soundscape enriches and deepens the connection between art, space, and human experience.
Supporting Organisations & Sponsors
The performance is co-produced by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports, kindly supported by the Greek National Organization for Tourism and the Prefecture of Western Greece, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia.
Premiere: 28/07/2018
Duration: 24 hours
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From Darkness To Light
Direction, choreography: Apostolia Papadamaki
Original music: Trifon Koutsourelis
Costumes: Angelika Chilikova
Scientific associate: Dr. Ioannis Bouchelos
Project coordinator: Ioanna Sakketa
Press office": Xenia Stouka
Photographer: Maria Toultsa
Cinematographer: Thanasis Papanayiotou
Graphic & Visual Designer: Areion Stefanidis
Production Manager: Manolis Sardis
Assistant Production Manage: Christina Polychroniadou
Credits
On Stage
Dancers
Irene Kyrmizaki, Antonis Strouzas, Olga Mourouzidou
Guest performers
Theodoros Chiotis, Alexandros Lagopoulos
Persian Santour
Fuad Ahmadvand