The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (CTO) has unveiled an exciting lineup for its 2026-2027 theatre season, offering a diverse range of productions that promise to captivate audiences across the island and beyond. With a mix of classic plays, contemporary adaptations, and original works, the CTO is set to deliver a rich cultural experience that explores universal themes and local narratives alike.
One of the highlights of the season is the return of the CTO to the historic Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Athens with its production of Ion by Euripides. This ancient Greek tragedy, directed by Takis Tzamargias, will tour Cyprus from July 16 and then travel to the prestigious Epidaurus Festival for performances on August 28 and 29. The CTO's return to this iconic venue after an eight-year absence is a significant moment for Greek theatre, marking a celebration of the organisation's artistic excellence and its commitment to preserving classical heritage.
On the CTO's Main Stage, audiences can look forward to a repeat performance of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Takis Tzamargias. This classic detective story, with Hercule Poirot as its protagonist, promises to bring mystery and charm to the stage in a Greek-language production. The success of last season's run has undoubtedly left audiences eager for more, and the CTO's decision to bring it back is a testament to its enduring appeal.
The autumn lineup includes Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, directed by Achilleas Grammatikopoulos, which will explore the timeless tale of passion and revenge. This production will be followed by a third Main Stage play, the details of which are yet to be announced, adding an element of anticipation to the season.
CTO's New Stage will host Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan, directed by Andreas Araouzos. Based on the historic 1977 television interviews, this play delves into the intense confrontation between journalist David Frost and former US President Richard Nixon, a few years after Nixon's resignation following the Watergate scandal. The production promises to explore the power of the media, the concept of accountability, and the impact of public image on historical memory, offering a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Athena Kasiou will present Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, transforming the CTO's own building into an integral performance space. By using the architecture dramaturgically to reinforce the play's central theme, Kasiou invites audiences to reflect on the place where dreams are often shattered yet continue to be born. This innovative approach to theatre is a testament to the CTO's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
For young audiences, Stage 018 will present a contemporary adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, based on the classic fairy tale. Through the eyes of playwright Andri Theodotou and director Fotis Nikolaou, this production offers a fresh and poetic take on the beloved story, aimed at primary school children. This initiative not only entertains but also educates, fostering a love for theatre from a young age.
Costas Mannouris' Seeds will tour secondary schools across Cyprus, sharing the tale of two 15-year-old students who gain access to the Garden of Humanity, a place where the stories of those who continue to hope despite hardship take root. This educational and inspiring production aims to engage young minds and spark important conversations.
Stella Voskaridou's A Thousand Hands will return for a second run on the Experimental Stage, directed by Nikolaou. This play traces the turbulent life and artistic journey of sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas, exploring his constant struggle between light and darkness, madness and inspiration, family pressure, and the need to create. The Experimental Stage also hosts three original works by Cypriot playwrights, inspired by classical texts but with a contemporary twist, directed by three different directors. This initiative aims to create a space where theatre functions as a catalyst for thought, memory, and imagination, connecting the local with the universal.
Lastly, last season's staged reading Place of Memory, based on Costas Montis' novella Closed Doors and Thodosis Pierides' poetic composition Cypriot Symphony, returns as a fully staged production directed by Maria Mannaridou Karsera. This production promises to offer a rich and immersive theatrical experience, delving into the themes of memory and identity.
The CTO's 2026-2027 season is a testament to the organisation's commitment to delivering high-quality theatre that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With a mix of classic and contemporary works, the CTO continues to push the boundaries of theatrical expression, offering a diverse and engaging cultural experience that enriches the artistic landscape of Cyprus and beyond.
