Music
Encardia «The Moonlight Sonata» By Giannis Ritsos At Theatre Of The No
Giannis Ritsos’ iconic poem The Moonlight Sonata returns to Theatre Of The NO in a musical theatre adaptation by Encardia, following the warm reception of its previous presentation last season.
First published in 1956, The Moonlight Sonata marks a significant moment in the work of the celebrated Greek poet. Through the artistic direction and composition of award-winning guitarist Michalis Kontaxakis, Encardia offer a fresh and original musical interpretation of this landmark work of Greek poetry.
The performance unfolds across fifteen musical sections, featuring original songs and interludes. The musical arrangements draw inspiration from the melodies and rhythms of Southern Italy, Encardia’s repertoire, and the distinctive melodic lines of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. The result is a poetic, nostalgic and innovative work that brings music and poetry together in a compelling theatrical experience.
At the heart of the performance stands the unnamed woman, the mysterious woman dressed in black, accompanied by the moon as a symbol of eternity. Through pauses, silences, inner conflicts, guilt and fragile dignity, a deeply emotional world unfolds, exploring the delicate boundaries between presence and absence.
The production premiered in Monemvasia in 2021 as part of the Greek Ministry of Culture’s “All of Greece, One Culture” programme. It subsequently travelled to Athens, at Olvio Theatre in 2023, to the Kalamata Municipal and Regional Theatre (DI.PE.THE.) in 2023, and to Myrtillo in spring 2025. In February 2025, the work was also released as a book-CD edition by En Plo Publications.
Performers
- Vangelis Papageorgiou: Accordion, harmonica, vocals
- Michalis Kontaxakis: Guitar, vocals
- Natalia Kotsani: Vocals, percussion
- Dimitris Tsekouras / Giorgos Danis: Double bass (alternating)
- Kostas Konstantatos: Vocals, mandolin, percussion
- Anna Theodoridou: The Woman in Black
Encardia’s musical theatre adaptation of The Moonlight Sonata will be presented on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 18:00, at Theatre Of The NO. The performance lasts 90 minutes.
Experience Giannis Ritsos’ celebrated poem through Encardia’s distinctive musical interpretation and secure your tickets through Ticketmaster.
