Re-imagining Independence in Contemporary Greek Theatre and Performance

This Element explores performance practices that have emerged since the beginning of the Greek crisis and revisits the mnemonic canon of the Greek War of Independence. It focuses on the institution of the mnemonic canon and its contemporary re-imaginings, interrogating performance work in relation to Greece's histories of colonial dependencies and attesting to an emerging desire for decolonization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element explores practices that have emerged since the onset of the Greek crisis and revisits the mnemonic canon of the Greek War of Independence. By focusing on the establishment of the mnemonic canon of independence and subsequently on its contemporary reimaginings, this Element interrogates performance work in relation to Greece's histories of colonial dependencies, which are integral to the establishment of modern Greece. As such, the examples discussed here rehearse independence against and beyond national(ist) fantasies, attesting to an emerging desire for decolonisation.

Since the beginning of the Greek crisis, various practices have taken place, shedding light on the complex dynamics of the region. One significant aspect is the revisiting of the mnemonic canon of the Greek War of Independence. This canon, which encompasses the events and narratives that shaped Greece's struggle for independence, has been reinterpreted and reimagined in contemporary performances. By examining the institution of the mnemonic canon and its subsequent reimaginings, this Element delves into the relationship between performance work and Greece's histories of colonial dependencies.

The mnemonic canon of independence serves as a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of Greece's past. It encompasses the events of the Greek Revolution, the establishment of the Greek state, and the struggles for liberation from foreign rule. Through the retelling and reinterpretation of these events in performance, artists and performers challenge the dominant narratives and highlight the marginalized voices and experiences of Greece's colonial past.

One notable example of this is the work of the artist group "The Colonels." Founded in 1995, this group uses performance and installation to explore the legacy of the Greek Colonels, who ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974. Their work challenges the romanticized notions of the Greek Revolution and highlights the brutal repression and violence that characterized the Colonels' regime. By re-enacting historical events and using humor and irony, "The Colonels" create a space for dialogue and reflection on the complexities of Greek history.

Another example is the play "The Debt," written by the Greek playwright Yannis Economides. Set in the 1950s, the play explores the aftermath of the Greek Civil War and the economic hardships that Greece faced under the military dictatorship. Through the character of a debt collector who visits a small village, Economides examines the relationship between debt, poverty, and the legacy of colonialism. The play challenges the notion of national pride and highlights the ongoing struggles of Greece's marginalized communities.

In addition to these examples, there have been numerous contemporary reimaginings of the mnemonic canon of independence. These reimaginings often draw on the rich cultural heritage of Greece and explore themes of identity, resistance, and decolonisation. For instance, the performance "The Island," created by the Greek artist group "Theaster Gates," takes place on an abandoned island in the Aegean Sea. The performance explores the history of the island, which was used as a detention center for political prisoners during the Greek Colonels' regime, and examines the ongoing struggles of the island's inhabitants for sovereignty and self-determination.

Overall, the Element on the Mnemonic Canon of Independence and Contemporary Reimaginings highlights the role of performance work in challenging and reimagining Greece's histories of colonial dependencies. By focusing on the institution of the mnemonic canon and its contemporary reimaginings, it interrogates the relationship between performance, history, and decolonisation. Through the retelling and reinterpretation of historical events, artists and performers create spaces for dialogue, reflection, and resistance, challenging the dominant narratives and highlighting the ongoing struggles of Greece's marginalized communities.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009462303