Cubes and skyscrapers: the multilayered nature of Cyprus
The set design, designed by Petros Kourtellaris, plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere and narrative of the festival’s performances. Her goal was to create a versatile space that could work well for a variety of performances. In this context, Kourtellaris created a set of solids that symbolize different aspects of Cyprus’ culture and identity.
Among these forms were solids reflecting the distinctive Greek houses that are still associated with the island’s traditional architecture. However, in recent years Cyprus has become an attractive destination for Russian investors, which was reflected in some of the set design elements. The cubes also showcased modern skyscrapers that can be seen in major cities such as Limassol. As an artistic commentary, there was even a joke that one of them symbolizes the future coin of Cyprus – the Russian ruble. Through a variety of scenery, they wanted to emphasize that Cyprus is not just beautiful beaches and a place ideal for a vacation, but a multi-layered culture, a still unexplained conflict and the question of the Cypriot’s self-determination.
One can’t help but notice how skillfully the artists used the space the festival offered. An example is the artists from Greece, the group “Lost Love”, who creatively changed the location of the action in their performance. Although the scenery remained the same, the ability to use it in different contexts made it possible for the audience to move in imagination to a beach, a nightclub or a cozy house on a Greek island.
The diversity of the scenographic cubes opened up a number of possibilities for the artists. Some served as simple objects, such as a table or chair, which enriched the interaction with the characters. Others, on the other hand, became an integral part of the dance choreography, fitting perfectly into the dynamics of the performance. The entire set design by Petros Kourtellaris thus constituted a harmonious and flexible space in which the artists were free to explore different narratives and emotions, creating a unique experience for the audience.
Weronika Mikuła (ETFI)
