The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (CTO) has unveiled an exciting new season, offering a diverse range of theatrical experiences that promise to captivate audiences across Cyprus and beyond. With a mix of classic plays, contemporary adaptations, and thought-provoking new works, the CTO is set to deliver an engaging and dynamic programme for the 2026-2027 season.
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 marks an eight-year absence, and the organisation is eager to showcase its artistic prowess on this iconic stage. The play will tour Cyprus from July 16, offering audiences across the island the chance to experience ancient Greek drama. Its performances at the Epidaurus Festival in August will undoubtedly be a highlight for theatre enthusiasts.
The CTO's artistic programme also includes a second year of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express on the Main Stage. The play, directed by Takis Tzamargias, promises to bring mystery and charm to the theatre, with the classic detective story set to captivate audiences. This production builds on the success of last season, and its return is a welcome addition to the programme.
In the autumn, the CTO will present Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, directed by Achilleas Grammatikopoulos. This timeless tale of passion and revenge will bring a touch of classic literature to the Main Stage. The play's exploration of intense emotions and complex relationships is sure to resonate with audiences, offering a rich and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
The CTO's New Stage will host Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan, directed by Andreas Araouzos. Based on the historic 1977 television interviews, the play centres on the intense confrontation between journalist David Frost and former US President Richard Nixon. This production delves into the power of the media, the meaning of accountability, and the ways in which public image shapes historical memory. It is a timely and relevant addition to the programme, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
Athena Kasiou will transform the CTO's own building into an integral performance space for Anton Chekov's The Seagull. The play's central theme of dreams being shattered yet continuing to be born will be reinforced by the use of the building's architecture. This innovative approach to theatre promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
For young audiences, Stage 018 will present a contemporary adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, based on the classic fairy tale. The play, directed by Fotis Nikolaou and written by Andri Theodotou, offers a fresh and poetic take on the beloved story, aimed at primary school children. This initiative aims to introduce young audiences to the world of theatre and encourage a love of the arts.
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. The play explores the stories of those who continue to hope despite hardship, offering a powerful message of resilience and perseverance. This educational and inspiring production is sure to resonate with young audiences.
Stella Voskaridou's A Thousand Hands will return to the stage for a second run, this time on the Experimental Stage. Directed by Nikolaou, the play traces the turbulent life and artistic journey of sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas. It explores his constant struggle between light and darkness, madness and inspiration, family pressure, and the need to create. This production promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience, offering a unique perspective on the artistic process.
Three Cypriot playwrights have been invited to create original new works inspired by classical texts. This initiative aims to produce contemporary plays that connect the local with the universal, creating a space where theatre functions as thought, memory, and imagination. The productions will be directed by three different directors and announced at a later stage, offering a fresh and exciting addition to the programme.
Finally, 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, the play explores the complexities of memory and identity, offering a powerful and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
The CTO's 2026-2027 season offers a diverse and engaging programme, catering to audiences of all ages and tastes. From classic plays to contemporary adaptations, and thought-provoking new works, the CTO is set to deliver an exciting and dynamic theatrical experience. With a mix of local and international talent, the organisation is poised to make a significant impact on the Cypriot theatre scene and beyond.
