By George Tserdanis
Stavros Economidis, founder of the Hellenic Art Theatre in Marrickville, Sydney, must have had his reasons for this year choosing to perform ‘Christopher Columbus by Nikos Kazantzakis’ — rather than another play.
The performances began last Friday and will continue on weekends until early next month, at the Mandouridion Theatre, as part of this year’s Greek Festival of Sydney programme, which each year offers us a wealth of noteworthy cultural events.
Kazantzakis’ Christopher Columbus—which, as we’ve written before, had its world premiere right here in Sydney in the early 1970s—is not a play that brings laughter. But it does offer the pleasure of powerful performances by the theatre’s members, as well as insight into the intellect and convictions of Kazantzakis, conveyed through the monologues and dialogues delivered to the audience by remarkable performers.
Outstanding among them is leading actor Leonidas Ellinas, who moved us deeply on numerous occasions, masterfully portraying Columbus—a role through which the inner world of Kazantzakis is expressed, encompassing his spiritual beliefs and perpetual quests.
I attended the premiere of Columbus at the theatre, which was graced by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and his wife; the Vice-President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and Greek Festival of Sydney Chair, Nia Karteris; members of the media; and other invited guests.
But before we present a few words about Columbus himself, let us first acknowledge the people who contributed to the production’s success. These include the director, the cast, and those who worked behind the scenes. Listed in the order in which they appeared:
- Captain Alonso – Yiannis Daviskas
- Abbot – Dimitris Daviskas
- Juan – Polyzois Patelis
- Novice – Iasonas Oikonomidis
- Columbus – Leonidas Ellinas
- Virgin Mary – Foula Morfiadou
- Jesus – Iasonas Oikonomidis
- Queen Isabella – Evelyn Tsavalas
- Angel A – Foula Morfiadou
- Angel B – Anet Kerry
- Director/Set Designer: Stavros Oikonomidis
- Production Manager: Evelin Tsavala
- Stage Manager: Mimika Valari
- Set Design: Thanasis Fotiadis
- Image Painting: Iasonas Oikonomidis
- Lighting/Technical: Thanasis Fotiadis
- Sound: Lakis Morfiadis
- English Surtitles: Mimika Valari
- Surtitle Projection: Costas Vertzayias
One of the many thought-provoking lessons in Kazantzakis’ Columbus is the power of faith—through which human beings can achieve even the impossible. It was with such faith that Columbus reached what was then an unknown land—America—and returned with some rewards for Queen Isabella, who had funded his expedition.
Columbus later undertook further voyages to the Americas, naming the indigenous peoples “Indians” due to their darker skin. He reached neighbouring islands, such as Cuba, and there are countless other stories and details that accompany even the briefest account of his life and achievements.
Another notable point is the longstanding controversy over the explorer’s origins, which has persisted for years. Some have even claimed Greek heritage for the man who opened the way for European conquest of the Americas at the end of the 15th century. There is also disagreement over the true location of his remains.
It is known that he died in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, but wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola—now divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. His remains were transferred there in 1542, then to Cuba in 1795, and later, according to many, to Seville in Spain, in 1898.
Event Details:
- What: Christopher Columbus – A Theatrical Masterpiece by Nikos Kazantzakis
- When: 04 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 05 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 06 Apr 2025 5:00 PM, 11 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 12 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 13 Apr 2025 5:00 PM, 25 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 26 Apr 2025 7:30 PM, 27 Apr 2025 5:00 PM, 02 May 2025 7:30 PM, 03 May 2025 7:30 PM, 04 May 2025 5:00 PM
- Where: The Greek Theatre at Addison Road – Mantouridion – in Marrickville
- Tickets: $35 | $30 concession
- Bookings: hellenicarttheatre.com.au
- Enquiries: 0413 989 007
*All photos by Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
