The most successful Greek theatre production of recent years – the “phenomenon” performance that attracted 200,000 spectators across Greece – is coming to Cyprus as part of the Nicosia International Festival 2025. Vangelis Theodoropoulos (Neos Kosmos Theatre), together with actors Dimitris Kapouranis and Thanos Lekkas, presents a study on male identity, oppression, violence and crime, punishment and discrimination, sexuality, education, opportunities, and dreams. Originally, two performances were scheduled, but due to high audience demand, a third performance will also be held at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre: Tuesday, September 30 (20:30), and Wednesday, October 1, 2025 (17:30 and 20:30).
The French- Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco, one of the most compelling voices of contemporary voices of Spanish-language theatre, delivers a modern exploration of male identity, oppression, violence and crime, punishment and discrimination - while also reflecting on the creative processes of theatre itself. The play to alludes to the myth of Oedipus as well as Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment.
The story
A writer visits 21-year-old Martín in prison, convicted for the murder of his father, intending to write a play based on his story. When the prisoner’s participation is rejected by the Ministry, the writer chooses an actor – Federico - to play the role. The relationships among the three men begin to shift, as the play evolves into a raw contemplation into truth, trauma, and the inner world of its characters.
Director’s note
“How can one kill their own father? This unthinkable crime lies at the heart of Sergio Blanco’s play, even though at present we are speaking more (and rightly so) about femicides. In any case, we remain within the realm of male violence and patriarchy. The play “Tebas Land” - its title evoking the parricide committed by Oedipus - tackles the full complexity of father–son relationships, a theme also relevant in psychoanalysis. It also explores matters like class divisions, mental illness, the role of religion, guilt, and eroticism.”
Great reviews
The production has been acclaimed for its evocative atmosphere, the exceptional pace of its direction, and the profoundly human performances of Thanos Lekkas as the Writer and the talented, popular actor Dimitris Kapouranis, who won the 2022–2023 Dimitris Horn Award for his performance. It is an immersive theatrical experience which received high praise by critics, and moved audiences with its human themes, its superb tempo, and its haunting ambience.
“The revelation of the performance is Dimitris Kapouranis… heart-wrenching, tender, and genuine acting.” - Tonia Karaoglou, “Athinorama”.
“Vangelis Theodoropoulos directs with precision, warmth, and balance, shedding the burdens of the original text. He deserves credit for bringing unknown works to the Greek stage, as well as for his casting choices. The true revelation of the performance is Dimitris Kapouranis, in the roles of Martín and Federico, who delivers a performance of exceptional acting mastery, balancing between raw truth and its theatrical transcription.” - Stella Charami, Monopoli.gr
“A work that balances between documentary and the myth of Oedipus, touching on questions of identity, power, law, and the psyche with a contemporary gaze.” - Athinorama Team
Credits
Text: Sergio Blanco
Translation: Maria Chatziemmanouil
Direction: Vangelis Theodoropoulos
Set design: Kostas Politis
Costume design: Claire Bracewell
Lighting design - video - trailer: Apostolis Koutsianikoulis
Movement - choreography: Xenia Themeli
Music: Stavros Gasparatos
Photography: Patroklos Skafidas
Assistant director: Thanos Papadogiannis
Cast: Thanos Lekkas, Dimitris Kapouranis
Duration: 120΄
Age group: 14+
*This performance contains strong language and graphic depictions of murder.
Tickets:
Available online via more.com:
http://bit.ly/4grNxB8 and the Nicosia Municipal Theatre box office (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00).
Ticket prices:
VIP: €26/ €29
ZONE A: €24/ €26
ZONE B: €22/ €24
ZONE C: €20/ €22
ZONE D: €18/€20
Reduced tickets are valid for: Children, students, soldiers, pensioners, large families, unemployed, actors, people with disabilities (free) with presentation of relevant ID.
Information: 22797979 (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00) &
http://bit.ly/3VjZ0ZG
Festival identity
Organisers: Nicosia Municipality, Nicosia For Art
Festival sponsors: OPAP Cyprus, CYTA, more.com, Italian Embassy, Cyprus Public Transport, Travelhouse, UCLan Cyprus, WINECORE, Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel, Classic Hotel Nicosia
Media sponsors: DIAS Publishing & SIGMA TV, LOVE FM 100.7, and “KATHIMERINH” newspaper