The world of Art supports the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer ‘ELPIDA’, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary from its foundation.
At the initiative of LAVRIS Productions and Mrs Georgia Iliopoulou, the Association was offered the opportunity to spread its message on the fight against childhood cancer through the international production of The Thread, which was staged at the Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday, 4 December 2019.
The performance was graced by the presence of Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, President of the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer ‘ELPIDA’, while the Association’s volunteers handed out informational leaflets to the audience.
“I am deeply touched by the fact that this year, marking the 30th anniversary of the foundation of our Association, the world of Art once more is standing by us to help spread our message and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to LAVRIS Productions, which has embraced ELPIDA with such love by dedicating this performance to our Association, giving us the opportunity to convey our message to everyone.
I would also like to separately thank each person participating in The Thread, who joined their voice with us so we can send a strong message against childhood cancer.
The eminent Greek composer Vaggelis Papathanasiou, who has been by our side from our very outset, demonstrating that in addition to a brilliant mind, he is first and foremost a man with a big heart and affection for the children.
My beloved friend, Mary Katrantzou, who wanted to dedicate her first runway show in Greece at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio to Elpida and to our children, demonstrating to the entire planet the meaning of inspiration, talent, creativity as well as love, contribution and solidarity.
And a big thank you to the talented Russell Maliphant and Michael Hulls”, Mrs Vardinoyannis noted, among other things, in her written address.
A few words about the performance:
Two worlds that are seemingly contrary and disparate: folk dances, carrying the Greek heritage through the ages, in juxtaposition with contemporary dance. The world of tradition, representing stability and extroversion, and the world of modern movement, standing for the soul’s quest and the inner self. The Thread, like Ariadne’s mythical thread, leads us to worlds that seem incompatible, shedding light upon deep affinities that people hesitate to accept.
Vangelis Papathanasiou’s original music alternately divides and unites these two worlds; Michael Hulls, the ‘choreographer of the light’, creates a unique setting; and the rising designer Mary Katrantzou draws inspiration from Minoan pottery for the costumes.
Russell Maliphant dares to deconstruct and recompose the dance forms of the past, directing an ensemble of 18 fine Greek dancers who represent both traditional and contemporary dance.
Direction, Choreography: Russell Maliphant
Original music: Vaggelis Papathanasiou
Lighting: Michael Hulls
Costumes: Mary Katrantzou
Co-production:
LAVRIS
Sadler’s Wells
Marche Teatro
Athens Concert Hall
