A New Adaptation in the Cypriot Dialect
In collaboration with Anyhow Theatre Ensemble
For its Summer 2026 production, ETHAL, in collaboration with Anyhow Theatre Ensemble, presents a contemporary adaptation in the Cypriot dialect of The Bourgeois Gentleman, based on the celebrated comedy by the great French playwright Molière.
This production marks the final chapter of the trilogy launched by ETHAL in 2025 with The Island, followed by Blood Wedding Crowns (Matomena Stefana). The trilogy explores themes of language, communities, communication, dialogue, multiculturalism, and collective memory.
In The Bourgeois Gentleman, Molière satirises the vanity of a wealthy social climber and his desperate yet comical attempts to win the affection of a young marchioness, despite being married and having a daughter of marriageable age. At the same time, he becomes the target of various opportunists eager to exploit his ambitions, including a young marquis pursuing the same woman.
Our adaptation transports the story to Cyprus in the late 1970s through the character of Zenonis, a kind-hearted yet ambitious man from a village near Limassol. Dreaming of improving his social standing, Zenonis ventures into investments and strives to enter the circles of high society, while also seeking a prestigious match for his daughter.
Although married, he becomes infatuated with a beautiful and wealthy woman from Nicosia and is prepared to spend recklessly in his efforts to impress her and win her attention. His naivety, however, makes him an easy target.
A cunning Athenian enters his life, taking advantage of his dreams and aspirations. Under the guise of investment opportunities, foreign language lessons, modern lifestyle trends, and extravagant gifts, he succeeds in swindling Zenonis out of substantial sums of money.
Through comic misunderstandings, lively situations, and sharp satire, this adaptation highlights the timeless themes of human vanity and the desire for social acceptance, offering audiences an entertaining and highly relevant theatrical experience infused with a distinctly Cypriot identity.
To bring this summer production to life, ETHAL reunites the core artistic team behind the previous two productions of the trilogy, with the theatre’s Artistic Director, Achilleas Grammatikopoulos, once again leading the production as director.
Production Information
Dramaturgical Adaptation:
Achilleas Grammatikopoulos, Michalis Kolokotronis, Yianna Georgiadou
Director: Achilleas Grammatikopoulos
Set & Costume Design: Yiorgos Yiannou
Original Music & Music Direction: Christina Georgiou
Lighting Design: Kyriakos Siamptanis
Assistant Director: Michalis Kolokotronis
Cast
Christopher Greco, Valentina Sophocleous, Giorgos Evagorou, Andreas Londou, Dimitra Hadjiyianni, Maria Constantinou, Stavriana Kadi, and Achilleas Grammatikopoulos.
Photography: Giorgos Giannou
Programme Editor: Yianna Georgiadou
Promotional Design: ARTemis Graphics & Visual Communication
Suitable for the whole family
Tour Schedule
Premiere
22 July – Aradippou Municipality
Tasos Mitsopoulos Open-Air Theatre, Aradippou Lyceum
23 July – Limassol Municipality
Costas Partasides Park, Agios Nikolaos
24 July – Arakapas Community
Multi-Purpose Hall Courtyard
26 July – Lakatamia Municipality
Lakatamia Municipal Amphitheatre
27 July – Limassol Municipality
Anagennisis Square
28 July – Amathounta Municipality
Open-Air Amphitheatre, Germasogeia Cultural Centre
3 August – Limassol Municipality
Gauguin Park, Zakaki
4 August – Limassol Municipality
Panikos Demetriou Park, Mesa Geitonia
7 August – Kourion Municipality
Trachoni Primary School A
Additional performances will be announced at a later stage.
Performance Time: 20:30
Information: +357 25 877827
Principal Sponsor: Deputy Ministry of Culture
Permanent Sponsor: Limassol Municipality
Media Sponsors: CyBC (ΡΙΚ), Love FM 100.7, Kathimerini Newspaper
Supported by: Kanali 6, Black Lemon