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 innovative 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 talent on this iconic stage. The play will tour Cyprus from July 16, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to experience ancient Greek drama in a modern context.
The CTO's artistic programme also includes a second year of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Takis Tzamargias. This Greek-language production brings the classic detective story to life, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved tale. The play's success last season has led to its return, and it is sure to be a highlight for fans of the genre.
In the autumn, the CTO will present Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, directed by Achilleas Grammatikopoulos. This timeless tale of passion and revenge will offer a new interpretation of the classic novel, providing a compelling addition to the season's offerings.
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 explores the intense confrontation between journalist David Frost and former US President Richard Nixon. It delves into the power of the media, the meaning of accountability, and the ways in which public image shapes historical memory, making it a thought-provoking addition to the season.
Athena Kasiou will transform the CTO's building into an integral performance space for Anton Chekov's The Seagull. By using the architecture dramaturgically, Kasiou will reinforce the play's central theme: the place where dreams are often shattered, yet continue to be born. This innovative approach adds a unique layer of depth to the production.
For young audiences, Stage 018 will present a contemporary, poetic adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, based on the classic fairy tale. Directed by Fotis Nikolaou and written by Andri Theodotou, this production offers a fresh take on a beloved story, making it accessible and engaging for primary school children.
The play Seeds by Costas Mannouris will tour secondary schools across Cyprus, sharing the tale of two 15-year-old students who gain access to the Garden of Humanity. This production aims to inspire hope and resilience in young audiences, making it a powerful addition to the season's educational offerings.
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. It offers a compelling look at the creative process and the human condition.
Three Cypriot playwrights have been invited to create original new works inspired by classical texts without being confined by them. 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, adding an element of surprise and innovation to the season.
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. This production offers a unique blend of literary and poetic elements, adding a layer of depth and richness to the season's offerings.
The CTO's 2026-2027 season is a testament to the organisation's commitment to innovation, diversity, and thought-provoking theatre. With a mix of classic and contemporary works, the CTO is set to deliver an engaging and memorable experience for audiences of all ages. As the organisation looks ahead to the summer of 2027, it is clear that the CTO is a force to be reckoned with in the world of theatre, offering a unique and compelling programme that will leave a lasting impression on its audiences.
