National Theater actors stage terrorist’s play for free despite official cancellation (pics + video)

Respect for a terrorist group’s victims vs. artistic freedom and censorship

The National Theater of Greece’s performance of an experimental play, titled “Nash Equilibrium”, based on a work by convicted Revolutionary Organization November 17 terrorist Savvas Xiros sparked outrage of victims of the terrorist group. Even the United States embassy had expressed its outrage before the cancellation of the work was announced. Despite the original announcement, performances kicked off at the Rex Theater nonetheless with the theater sources telling protothema.gr that the decision to stage the performance had to do with discussion surrounding the “defence of freedom of art in Greece”.
Noteworthy is the fact that the performance was staged with actors not wearing their costumes and no admission price for the performance.
Zero cost of admission for the performance
130 people were lucky enough to get a ticket at zero cost and watched the performance while others were left disappointed outside the theater. At the end of the play, there was a public discussion on censorship and freedom of art in Greece.

The actors taking part in the performance announced that they considered its cancellation by the National Theater of Greece a clear case of censorship.

Director Pigi Dimitrakopoulou asked the National Theater to revoke its decision.

Actors issued the following announcement:

“Actors of Nash Equilibrium that was performed as normal and will continue its presentations at the National Theater’s Experimental Stage until January 31 believe that the decision of the Artistic Administration of the National Theater announced to us on Thursday noon, shortly before the official announcement, is an act of pure censorship. This decision insults us and also surpasses in dimension the current presentation of the specific troupe. We would like to thank all those who stand by us and especially those who react against this decision and view our presentation (falling victim) to political and art forces at play. It goes without saying that we support any presentation reacting against censorshipo. The decision of the Art Direction of the National Theater, a decision that  bears special weight, if it passes, shows the dark legacy of censorship and self-censorshiop setting a precedent for future artistic activity in a public organization and others.”

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