14th ARION – Molyvos International Guitar Festival 2026

"Philoctetes" by Yannis Ritsos – Behind the Hero’s Mask

Saturday 01.08 | Desmos Cultural Center, Molyvos

Music Theater

A musical presentation of the poetic work Philoctetes by Yannis Ritsos.

Poetic language meets music in a quest to penetrate the rigid "mask" of the myth. Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are no longer mere figures of antiquity, but profound symbols of human isolation and the innate search for truth. Through an evocative synergy of lyric singing, narration, and the distinct timbres of the yaylı tambur and the guitar, the music unveils the existential fragility hidden behind the mask: vulnerability, pain, and ultimate redemption. A mystagogic experience that seeks the human essence beyond the predetermined boundaries of history and duty.

Creative Team & Cast:

Korina Vougiouka: concept, artistic curation, guitar

Maira Milolidaki: soprano

Nikos Spanatis: countertenor

Haris Karydis Maronitis: narration

Stefanos Pourianos: yaylı tambur

Tasos Rosopoulos: music transcriptions