Cinema Does Not Love Death
Nikos Karathanous directs a summer tribute performance reflecting on the essence of classic Greek cinema and its nostalgic beauty.
Inspired by 'Jenny Jenny', a classic film by Finos Films, director Nikos Karathanous turns his gaze to the mythical storytelling of Greek cinema, revealing a nostalgic narrative of light, summer, and beauty that appears increasingly distant in contemporary times. The performance evokes a sense of longing for the lost innocence of summer evenings and features a cast reminiscent of ghostly figures from classic films, presenting a summer, sunlit requiemβa lament for the end of this era while simultaneously celebrating its immortality gifted by the silver screen.
Amid this festive yet mournful atmosphere, the actors seek to reconnect with the divine figures that accompanied their childhood Sunday dinners in a Greece that continually plunges into the depths of its memories, seeking to rediscover itself time and again. The original script is penned by Kostas Preteineris and Asimakis Yalamis, while the direction and concept are brought to life by Nikos Karathanous, showcasing the power of theatrical expression to evoke deeper reflections on nostalgia and cultural identity.
This theatrical performance serves as both a tribute and a critical examination of the transformations within Greek society, questioning the fading allure of a bygone era depicted in its cinema. It highlights the tension between nostalgia and the modern state of Greece, inviting audiences to ponder the cultural significance of their cinematic heritage and its place in contemporary life.