FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae,Pelopponese, Greece

"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" draws inspiration from the ritualistic “incubation” practices of the ancient Greeks, incorporating dreaming into theater practices.

  • An immersive overnight performance that explores the connection between human beings, performance art, sleep, theater, dreams, and imagination.

  • The performance drew an audience of 500 people from sunset until midnight, with 50 of them continuing to participate in the second part of the experience until dawn.

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

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

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Ancient Souls In Human Bodies