THEATRE OF THE NO welcomes Encardia in a unique music-theatre reimagining of Yannis Ritsos’ “Moonlight Sonata”. In this performance, poetry and music merge to create a singular artistic experience, where Ritsos’ verses meet the ensemble’s original compositions. The performance will be staged on two consecutive Sundays: October 5th & 12th at 20.00.

Written in 1956, «Moonlight Sonata» is considered both a milestone and a turning point in Ritsos’ work, marking a significant moment in modern Greek poetry. Under the artistic direction of acclaimed guitarist Michalis Kontaxakis, Encardia approach the poem with fresh creativity, offering audiences a new and original perspective.

The performance unfolds in fifteen musical movements, combining original songs and interludes. The score draws inspiration both from the traditional melodies and rhythms of Southern Italy,closely linked to Encardia’s repertoire, and from the lyrical lines of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

At its center stands the enigmatic “woman in black,” a nameless figure framed by the moon as eternal symbol. Her world is one of silences and pauses, unspoken cries and suspended dignity, evoking the tension of “to exist and not to exist.”

The production premiered in Monemvasia in 2021 as part of the Ministry of Culture’s All of Greece, One Culture program, and has since been staged in Athens (Olvio Theatre, 2023), at the Kalamata Municipal Regional Theatre (2023), and at Myrtillo Cultural Space (Spring 2025). In February 2025, it was also released as a book-CD edition by En Plo Publications.

Musicians on stage (Encardia):
Vangelis Papageorgiou: Accordion, harmonica, vocals
Michalis Kontaxakis: Guitar, vocals
Natalia Kotsani: Vocals, percussion
Dimitris Tsekouras / Giorgos Danis: Double bass (alternating)
Kostas Konstantatos: Vocals, mandolin, percussion
The Woman in Black: Anna Theodoridou

Music: Michalis Kontaxakis
Lighting design: Alexandros Politakis
Stage direction: Pantelis Dentakis
Painting on the poster (Chrisafitissa square, Monemvasia): Dafni Stathatou
Photos: Chris Kissadjekian
Poster design: Sotiria Bramou
Social Media: Nico Fytas
PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli