Great success of the premiere of the play "Byron. The farewell. Messolonghi 1824" - Εταιρεία για τον Ελληνισμό και τον Φιλελληνισμό

The premiere of the play entitled “Byron. The farewell. Messolonghi 1824” took place in the Amphitheatre of the War Museum. The play, which moved and impressed the audience, deals with the last days of Lord Byron in Messolonghi.

The two theatrical performances were offered to the public of Athens with free admission, by the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the War Museum and under the auspices and support of the British Embassy in Athens. Other presentations of the play are planned to follow in Greece and abroad.

The event was addressed by the president of the War Museum, Mr. Konstantinos Karamesinis, the president and founder of SHP and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas and the counsellor of the British Embassy, Ms. Katharina Arnold.

Mr. Velentzas prefaced the performance by outlining the historical context of the era to the audience, highlighting unknown details about the volunteer military and medical scientists who were by the side of the British Philhellene in the last days of his life.

The plot of the play was focused on a final account of the life and work of the Romantic poet, filled with the ideals of struggle and freedom, and the search for the higher meanings of human existence.

Emilianos Stamatakis, one of the most distinguished and talented actors of his generation, captivated the audience with his performance as Lord Byron. The role of Byron’s loyal valet, Fletcher, was performed by Pericles Lianos, who is particularly loved and known through his television roles.
The roles of doctors Brouno, Treiber and Millingen were played by actors Elias Sardellis, Kostas Gerantonis and Dimitris Pneumatikos respectively.

The scenario is written by Iordanis Kalesis (who also performed as Count Pietro Gamba) and the play is directed by Vassilis Kontaxis. In addition, original music by Angeliki Della was especially composed for the play, while the lyricism and unparalleled interpretive skill of soprano Angeliki Vardaka captivated the audience.

The play incorporates elements of cinematography, directed by the award-winning artist Thanos Angelis, while Pantelis Konsolakis was charged with the photography direction.

The Romantic poet who was the greatest Philhellene of all times, inspired and inspires the movement of Philhellenism internationally. His sudden death at the age of 36 was a global event, which moves the new generations to this day. Byron’s unconventional temperament, is a starting point to discover at the same time his literary intelligence, which even today influences fiction and artistic creation.

The intention of the SHP – Philhellenism Museum and the contributors, is the tour of the play in other cities in Greece and abroad.

Byron. The Farewell, Messolonghi 1824

Under the auspices and support of the British Embassy

Cast:

Emilianos Stamatakis as Lord Byron