The Greek National Opera Ballet captivated the audience of the Cairo Opera House

Dance With My Own Shadow was presented on 6 June and Return of the Summer on 7 June 2024

The Greek National Opera Ballet travelled to Egypt and presented two unique performances at the Cairo Opera House to great success. Dance With My Own Shadow with music by Manos Hadjidakis and choreography by Konstantinos Rigos, was performed on 6 June 2024, while the modern dance diptych titled Return of the Summer, featuring music by Giorgos Koumendakis and Hector Berlioz, and choreographed by Ioannis Mandafounis and Konstantinos Rigos, was showcased on 7 June 2024. The tour was made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) [www.SNF.org] to enhance the Greek National Opera’s artistic outreach.

Dance With My Own Shadow marked the start of the Greek National Opera Ballet’s two-day visit at the Opera Cairo House on 6 June, drawing the attention of the Egyptian Mass Media and confirming the Egyptian audience’s interest in the Greek National Ballet. The dancers’ excellent execution of the breathtaking choreography by GNO Ballet Director, Konstantinos Rigos, riveted the audience, who rewarded performers and creative team alike with a rousing applause. Thanks to the universal qualities portrayed in the three iconic pieces by Manos Hadjidakis –The C.N.S. Cycle, Captain Michalis, and The Accursed Serpent–, the performance moved the crowd. The costumes were designed by Deux Hommes and the videos by Vassilis Kehagias. The proceeds from the first performance were donated to the hospital founded by Greek Action Africa in the city of Beni Suef, Egypt.

On 7 June, the Greek National Opera Ballet presented the modern dance diptych Return of the Summer. The first part featured the piece Point of No Return choreographed and with costumes coordinated by Ioannis Mandafounis and set to music by Giorgos Koumendakis. This modern dance piece with elements deeply rooted in the tradition of classical ballet enthralled the audience with its vibrant energy. The second part featured Konstantinos Rigos’ choreography Les Nuits d’été with music by Hector Berlioz. A piece about love, loneliness, the quest, and the journey. The distinctive costumes were designed by Deux Hommes. The GNO dancers performed the masterly choreographies with vigour and high energy, receiving a thunderous applause from the audience, who rushed to the Opera Cairo House for a second consecutive day to enjoy the show.

Responsible for the lighting in both performances was Christos Tziogkas.

Lead Donor of the GNO
Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Sponsor of the tour’s air transportation service
AEGEAN