Newsroom / CNA
The first of three performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Macbeth is staged on Friday at the square of the Medieval Castle in Paphos.
The event is being put on as part of the 21st Pafos Aphrodite Festival, with more performances to follow on August 31 and September 1, in a production by the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus.
The opera-drama Macbeth (Macbetto) by Giuseppe Verdi, based on William Shakespeare`s homonymous drama, consists of four acts with an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who also serves as president of the board for Pafos Aphrodite Festival, said the unique atmosphere prevailing in the castle, the impressive sets, and the talented actors of Bolshoi Theater will all contribute in an extraordinary cultural product.
The unique atmosphere prevailing in the castle, the impressive sets, and the talented actors of Bolshoi Theater will all contribute in an extraordinary cultural product
Pafos Aphrodite Festival is now reckoned among Cyprus’ major events and its long course proves its role in the country’s cultural life, he added.
The plot unfolds in 11th century Scotland and narrates the rising of General Macbeth to the throne of Scotland after he murders king Duncan and general Banquo. Accomplice and instigator of the criminal acts is Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth. In the end, she commits suicide burdened by guilt and he is killed in battle by noble Macduff who defends Malcolm`s (Duncan`s son) rightful claim to the throne.
During the three days of the performances between 6pm and 8:30pm the circulation of vehicles will be prohibited to non-opera ticket holders along Apostolou Pavlou avenue up to Pafias Aphrodites street, along Leda street, along Alkminis street up to Theoskepasti Church, along Artemidos street, along Dionysou street and along Poseidonos avenue up to Iasonos street.
All performances begin at 8pm. Live translation in Greek, English and Russian via subtitles. More information can be found online.
