The Nicosia International Festival kicks off its vibrant fifth season on October 10, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Nicosia with theatre, music, and dance, including the poignant exhibition “Face forward …Into My Home” and compelling performances like “Rite of Spring.” With a focus on supporting young talent through the #UNDER30 program and thought-provoking art exhibitions, the festival promises to be a feast of creativity that enriches both the local and global arts scene.
What are the highlights of the Nicosia International Festival’s new season?
The Nicosia International Festival showcases theatre, music, and dance, highlighting local talent and global partnerships. Key features include:
- “Face forward …Into My Home” exhibition
- Collaborations with international cultural institutions
- Performances of “Rite of Spring” and “Katarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists”
- The #UNDER30 programme supporting young Cypriot artists
- The “Art in Democracy” exhibition and OTHONI public art project
The festival celebrates cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
A New Chapter in Nicosia’s Arts Scene
With autumn leaves swirling in the breeze, the Nicosia International Festival makes a grand return for its fifth edition, promising a vibrant blend of theatre, music, and contemporary dance. The festival, well-known for its commitment to celebrating Nicosia’s rich cultural tapestry, spotlights local talent and offers a stage to emerging artists. The excitement begins on October 10 with the inaugural photography exhibition “Face forward …Into My Home.” This poignant display, a collaborative effort with Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art, delves into the narratives of individuals rebuilding their lives in Cyprus. The Nicosia Municipal Theatre will host this evocative exhibition, and the opening night festivities include an exuberant African Fashion Party.
Nicosia’s candidacy for the 2030 European Capital of Culture is further invigorated by the festival’s international partnerships. Notably, collaborations with the Pina Bausch Foundation, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, and the Festival d’Avignon introduce masterpieces such as “Rite of Spring” and “Katarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists.” These productions symbolize the festival’s dedication to presenting a cornucopia of remarkable cultural experiences through to the spring of 2025.
Spotlight on Youth: Unleashing Creative Potentials
The younger audiences can revel in the enchantment of storytelling with “Miav Volan J’Enan Geron (Once Upon a Time),” a theatrical gem based on ALPHA Podcasts and Nearchos Clerides’ “Cypriot Fairy Tales.” This production exemplifies the festival’s commitment to fostering a love for the arts in children. Closing the 2024 programme with a flourish, “Still! A Statue that Turned the World” returns, a testament to the enduring allure of Cypriot creativity. The beginning of 2025 ushers in “The Doll of Franz Kafka,” directed by Kostas Silvestrou, and “Ba_Boom_,” a poignant children’s theatre performance by Marios Kakoullis, which boldly addresses the harsh realities of war.
Embracing the Future: The Vibrancy of #Under30
The festival’s heartbeat is its steadfast support for Cypriot artists, especially the youth. The #UNDER30 programme, a beacon for local artists under the age of thirty, is poised to showcase an array of talents. Up-and-coming stars such as Nama Dama, Alexa Michael, and Zina Melekki will unveil new recordings. Additionally, choreographer-dancer Alexandros M Kyriazis is set to captivate audiences with his latest creation, “Jimmy & Freddie.”
Lyrical Echoes: #ThePoet Programme
In a moving tribute to the power of words, the Davila Bastion will be the backdrop for two nights of poetic expression. The festival partners with the Poetry Moves International Festival to blend poetry with the resonant sounds of piano and cello, featuring the esteemed Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos. The following night deepens the cultural dialogue with the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts presenting the “Poetry of Invasion and Displacement” concert.
Artistic Dialogues and Visions of the Future
The festival’s scope goes beyond performances to include thought-provoking art exhibitions. In collaboration with the European Parliament, the “Art in Democracy” exhibition will take place at the Municipal Hall of Eleftheria Square. This showcase, which has graced the halls of Brussels and Strasbourg, will reach Cypriot shores with dates to be announced soon. Public art also finds a unique voice in the OTHONI project, which will broadcast video artworks across Nicosia, enriching the urban landscape with digital creativity.
In its entirety, the Nicosia International Festival stands as a beacon of cultural diversity and artistic innovation. As the performances and exhibitions unfold, they weave a rich tapestry that not only delights but also challenges and inspires. Whether through the stirring movements of dance or the resonant chords of music, the festival invites audiences to embark on a journey of exploration that underscores Nicosia’s role as a crucible of the arts.
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What are the highlights of the Nicosia International Festival’s new season?
The Nicosia International Festival showcases theatre, music, and dance, emphasizing local talent and international collaborations. Key highlights include:
- The poignant exhibition “Face forward …Into My Home”
- Collaborations with renowned cultural institutions like the Pina Bausch Foundation and Sadler’s Wells Theatre
- Performance of “Rite of Spring” and “Katarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists”
- The #UNDER30 program that supports young Cypriot artists
- The “Art in Democracy” exhibition and the innovative OTHONI public art project
This season promises a rich celebration of cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
When does the festival start, and what special events are planned for the opening?
The Nicosia International Festival kicks off on October 10. The opening night features the inaugural photography exhibition “Face forward …Into My Home,” which explores the narratives of individuals rebuilding their lives in Cyprus. Additionally, the festivities will include an exciting African Fashion Party, setting a vibrant tone for the festival’s fifth season.
How does the #UNDER30 program support young artists?
The #UNDER30 program is a vital part of the festival, aimed at showcasing and nurturing emerging talent among Cypriot artists under the age of thirty. This season features performances and new recordings from young artists such as Nama Dama, Alexa Michael, and Zina Melekki. Notably, choreographer-dancer Alexandros M Kyriazis will present his latest work, “Jimmy & Freddie,” emphasizing the festival’s commitment to fostering youth creativity in the arts.
What other artistic collaborations are featured in this season’s festival?
This season features a range of artistic collaborations that enhance the festival’s offerings. Notably, the festival partners with the Poetry Moves International Festival for two nights of poetic expression at the Davila Bastion, blending poetry with music. Additionally, there will be an “Art in Democracy” exhibition in collaboration with the European Parliament, showcasing thought-provoking works at the Municipal Hall of Eleftheria Square. The festival also introduces the OTHONI project, which broadcasts video artworks across Nicosia, enriching the urban landscape with contemporary digital creativity.
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