The opera “Prometheus Bound’ by Panagiotis Karousos was the first historical presentation of an opera at the Small Theater of Ancient Epidaurus

Panagiotis Karousos at the Epidaurus

July 30, 2013. At the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus was presented with great success the masterpiece of the Modern Greek opera "Prometheus Bound" of Greek Canadian composer Panagiotis Karousos. The composer Panagiotis Karousos is the only Greek opera composer who managed to present his opera in site of Ancient Epidaurus.
The project was important in many ways. It was the first composer that set up in the classic forms of arias and duets the tragedy of Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound.

The libretto is by the composer with some innovations on the poetic translation of Gryparis. Featured Goddess Athena and Zeus at the scene, and gives voice to Via character. The music is strongly melodic and perfectly expresses the great lyricism of Aeschylus.

Irini Konsta, Vasilis Asimakopoulos, Panagiotis Karousos

In the leading role of Prometheus Bass Vasilis Asimakopoulos gave to the role of Prometheus the correct Aeschylians tragedian, performed amazingly the difficult score of the composer. Asimakopoulos’ voice was rich and dramatic and interpreted the melodious arias giving his soul to the literally one of the toughest roles in the tragic repertoire. Along with him the soprano Irene Konsta performed the duet Prometheus - Io with passion. Also Ms. Konsta interpreted the roles of Violence and Goddess Athena given the correct status at diametrically opposite roles.

Tenor Dinos Kalivas interpreted the roles of Oceanus and Hermes with melodious voice. The Roles of Hephaestus and Zeus were performed by the composer - baritone Panagiotis Karousos unplugging all the rage and cruelty of Zeus. The flutist Danae Kioupouroglou and pianist Vivi Kleisoura accompanied well the lyric artists.

Vasilis Asimakopoulos, Irini Konsta

The direction of Vasilis Asimakopoulos perfectly expresses the text of Aeschylus, based on the classical foundations of the ancient drama. The costumes were on the classic cloaks of ancient tragedy on the wishes of the composer. The tourists attending the performance applauded warmly the performers and excited by the exquisite acoustic of the natural sound of the voices that was the result of this important project.
At the end the composer Panagiotis Karousos thanked the attendees, presented the artists and wished to represent at this sacred place more opera performances.

It was a magical night the presentation of the opera "Prometheus Bound" by Panagiotis Karousos at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, organized by the Hellenic American Center for the Arts.