THE ORACLES OF WATER

Archeological Site Of Delphi, Greece

"The Oracles of Water" is an interactive and participatory site-specific performance that links climate change and the global water crisis with the mythology and worship of Apollo at Delphi.

A transformative performance set in the sacred archaeological site of Delphi, intertwining mythology, ancient rituals, and environmental consciousness.
Using water as a central symbol of life and emotion, the performance explores the journey of the human soul from material bonds to spiritual liberation, guided by the Apollonian light.
A young environmental scientist, after a foreboding dream of all water sources drying up, visits Delphi seeking an oracle from Apollo about the future of water.
From the vast Delphic landscape and the Omphalos of the Earth, the Pythia, Mnemosyne, and the Muses deliver a global message about water.
This performance weaves together themes of global warming and water pollution, connecting Science, Philosophy, Mythology, and Performing Arts.
Staged in two parts, it begins at sunrise around the Dome of Pronaia Athena, symbolizing the soul’s descent into matter and emotional purification.
As the day transitions to sunset at the Temple of Apollo, it marks the soul’s ascent toward enlightenment and unity with cosmic order.

The narrative unfolds…

…through dance, music, and dramatic storytelling, with figures like the Pythia and the Muses leading the audience on a journey of remembrance, self-reflection, and ecological awareness.

Apostolia Papadamaki's stage direction and powerful choreography, enriched by the music of Trifon Koutsourelis, elevate ancient wisdom into a resonant modern ritual, inspiring introspection and reverence for the natural world.

An amazing artistic team contributed to making The Oracles Of Water a memorable performance, with texts by Panos Gkiokas, lighting design by Valentina Tamiolaki, and sculptures/costumes by visual artist Yiannis Brouzos.

Supporting Organisations & Sponsors

The performance is implemented within the framework of the 2023 program “All of Greece, One Culture" by the Ministry of Culture.

Εxclusive sponsor: AQUA Carpatica
With the support of the Greek National Tourism Organisation and in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Phocis.

We would also like to give special thanks to Vorres Museum, Holy Ginger, Forca Divina Foundation and to every individual who supported the performance.

Premiere: 31/07/2023

The Oracles Of Water

Credits

Direction, choreography
Apostolia Papadamaki

Original music
Trifon Koutsourelis

Dramaturgy
Apostolia Papadamaki, Panagiotis Giokas

Original text writing, lyrics
Panagiotis Giokas

Lighting
Valentina Tamiolaki

Sculptures / Props
Ioannis Brouzos

Head of Photography, Graphic & Visual Designer
Areion Stefanidis

Cinematographer
Dimitris Sidirokastritis

Assistant Director
George Palios

Assistant Choreographer
Konstantina Liontou

On Stage

Researcher/Archaeologist
Dimitris Gotsopoulos

Pythia-The Oracle Woman
Maria Papageorgiou

Mnemosyne
Apostolia Papadamaki

The 9 Muses
Mary Giannoula / Euterpe, Maria Penelope Kasidokosta / Cleo, Christianna Katsimprakis / Calliope, Konstantina Liontou / Erato, Evini Pantelaki / Urania, Maria Papakonstantinou / Terpsichore, Iliana Paraskevopoulou / Polyhymnia, Natasha Sarantopoulou / Melpomene, Dafni Stathatou / Thaleia

Musicians on stage
Violin/ Migen Selmani, Cello/Lefki Kolovou, Harp/Sissy Makropoulou, Electronics/Trifon Koutsourelis

Volunteer coordination: Dimitra Tsenesidou
Volunteers: Paraskevi Bakis, Alia Kontelli, Claudia Lopez, Luisa Mayhew, Iris Meyer, Electra Oikonomidou, Isidora Papagiannakou, Maritina Papagiannakou, Vasiliki Papali, Mariana dos Reis, Vasiliki SamartziIoanna Sylaidopoulou, Eleftheria Tourkantoni, Eleni Tsoumbou, Christina Zambas

Scientific collaborators: Marilena Tsakoumaki, Dr. Archaeologist Alexandra Silvestrou (Sustainability Consultant - MSc in Sustainable Development), Eleni Koulizaki (Teaching pronunciation and prosody of the Ancient Greek Language) .

Production Management: MENTOR / Panagiotis Gkiokas, Virginia Vassilakou, Yiannis Pappas

Communication & Promotion: MENTOR

Press Office: Nicole Votsi

Production of dancers' dresses: Victoria Giannaki

THE ORACLES OF WATER

"The Oracles of Water" is an interactive and participatory site-specific performance that links climate change and the global water crisis with the mythology and worship of Apollo at Delphi.

A transformative performance set in the sacred archaeological site of Delphi, intertwining mythology, ancient rituals, and environmental consciousness.

Using water as a central symbol of life and emotion, the performance explores the journey of the human soul from material bonds to spiritual liberation, guided by the Apollonian light.

A young environmental scientist, after a foreboding dream of all water sources drying up, visits Delphi seeking an oracle from Apollo about the future of water.

From the vast Delphic landscape and the Omphalos of the Earth, the Pythia, Mnemosyne, and the Muses deliver a global message about water.

This performance weaves together themes of global warming and water pollution, connecting Science, Philosophy, Mythology, and Performing Arts.

Staged in two parts, it begins at sunrise around the Dome of Pronaia Athena, symbolizing the soul’s descent into matter and emotional purification.

As the day transitions to sunset at the Temple of Apollo, it marks the soul’s ascent toward enlightenment and unity with cosmic order.

The narrative unfolds…