After last year’s theatrical triumph, Efi Birba and Aris Servetalis return for a second year with Michael Bulgakov’s “Heart of a Dog” at the Kivotos Theatre.
~ Can you see the world through different eyes? ~
This heart beat deafeningly last season and its pulse was transmitted throughout the Athens theater.
The motif of “Heart of the Dog” by Efi Birba and Aris Servetalis, which after wide acceptance by the public and critics – the show was repeatedly sold out – will continue to beat strongly for the second year at the Kivotos Theater, bringing us face to face with ourselves and with the deepest, most existential questions.
Effie Birba attempts a new nuclear iconoclastic reading of the iconic work of Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov and invites us to look around us with different “eyes”, to think critically and to question ourselves about the world in which we want to live.
Aris Servetalis and Antonis Myriagos star in this dark adventure set in the dens of science fiction, satire and social criticism. They are joined by Elektra Nikolouzou, Michalis Theofanous, Hara-Mata Giannatou, Alexandra Kazazou and Spyros Decikas.
The project
“Heart of a Dog” is one of Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov’s most famous and recognizable works. Written in 1925, this modular novella—not published in the Soviet Union until 1987 due to censorship—is a scathing satire of Soviet society and a profound exploration of human nature.
It is a clever blend of satirical and philosophical literature that pushes the boundaries of science fiction and realism, addresses issues of nature and individual identity, and raises questions about the consequences of social pressures and science.
The plot of the play revolves around a scientific experiment that aims to transform a stray dog into a human. Russian professor Preobrazhensky, an aristocratic scientist, tries this daring procedure, but the results are unpredictable. The experiment does not have the expected outcome, as the dog Sarik gradually transforms into a human farmer who destroys the peace of everyday life and jeopardizes the social and scientific status of his creator, reflecting the worst characteristics of the “new” society.
The show
“Heart of a Dog” is a work that goes beyond the limits of science fiction and emerges as a profound anthropological study. Bulgakov raises questions about identity, human nature and the ability of science to manipulate life.
As a warning about safeguarding our individuality, “Heart of a Dog” harmonizes perfectly with the themes of the works that fascinate Efi Birba (Atitlo, Sosias, Richard II, Don Quixote, The Dream of a Laughing Dog, Frogs), works that speak about essential issues in a special and unique way.
The idiosyncratic artist approaches with her unique directorial eye this work by Bulgakov that brilliantly highlights the absurdity of violently changing human nature to fit a rigid ideal, revealing the dangers of man’s absolute conformity to social dictates.
Armed with two actors distinguished by their intense physicality, Aris Servetalis and Antonis Myriagos, she puts together a poetic performance that illuminates modern man at his core, while reminding us to always be vigilant in safeguarding our identity.
Their valuable help is a strong ensemble of actors: Electra Nikolouzou, Michalis Theofanous, Hara-Mata Giannatou, Alexandra Kazazou, Spyros Decikas.
COEFFICIENTS
Direction-Dramaturgy-Scenography: Efi Birba
Translation: Eleni Bakopoulou
Arrangement: Efi Birba, Aris Servetalis
Musical composition and sound editing: Vangelino Currentzis
Lighting Design: Sakis Birbilis
Costumes: Effie Birba, Vasilia Rosana
Motion Editing: Michalis Theofanous
Photography, video projection, visual effects: Grigoris Panopoulos
Artistic collaborator of scenography: Vasia Lyri
Costume Designer: Alexandros Garnavos
Sound consultant-sound design: Giorgos Myzithras
Special Effects (SFX): Alexandros Logos
Hairstyles: Lemon Poppy Seed
Special Builds: Lefteris Gondas
Teaser trailer: Grigoris Panopoulos – @makeyourownfilms
Photos: Giorgos Kaplanidis
Promotional design: Paschalis Zervas
Contact and Press Office: Maria Tsolaki
Advertising-Social Media: RENEGADE MEDIA, Vassilis Zarkadoulas
Direction and production execution: Efi Panourgia
Production: Technichoros
Performers: Aris Servetalis, Antonis Miriagos, Electra Nikolouzou, Michalis Theofanous, Hara-Mata Giannatou, Alexandra Kazazou, Spyros Decikas.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
KIVOTOS THEATRE
115 Piraeus, Athens 118 54
Telephone: 210 34 27 426
Show days and times:
Wednesday 20:00
Thursday, Friday 9:00 pm
Saturday 6:00pm and 9:00pm
Sunday 20:00
Tickets:
Zone A: €25
Zone B €20
Zone B €18 for students, disabled, unemployed, over 65s
Pre-sale at more.com and at the back of the theater.