Ballet performance in a 2,200-year-old ancient city

The 2,200-year-old Laodicea Western Theater experienced another historic day. Hosted by the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, 'Zorba', one of the world's most acclaimed ballet works, was performed for the people of Denizli by the artists of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Ankara State Opera and Ballet. The special performance, adapted for the stage from master author Nikos Kazantzakis' world-famous novel Zorba, featuring the magnificent compositions of Mikis Theodorakis and the unique choreography of Lorca Massine, was attended by Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun, Metropolitan Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, Deputy Mayor Ali Marım, Secretary General Bülent Bozbaş, Ankara State Opera and Ballet Director Mithat Karakelle, and thousands of art lovers. 

'A BRIDGE FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE'

In his speech before the performance, Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu stated that they were happy to host such a special show in such a historic venue. Thanking all the art lovers who attended their invitation, Mayor Çavuşoğlu said, “We set out on a journey to build a bridge from the past to the future, to keep alive and sustain a city where art and the artist find peace, a city where everyone smiles and its people are happy. I hope we will create together a city of art and artists, a city that has risen with its tourism. I thank our artists who are with us today a thousand times over and greet you all with respect and love.” 

More than 13,000 art lovers who filled the Laodicea Western Theater had a magnificent night. While the choreography assistant for this special performance was Elisa Arnone, set and oriental costume design was by Gürcan Kubilay, costume design by Tülay Şimşek, and lighting design by Fuat Gök; thousands of art lovers who flocked to the show, which lasted approximately 2 hours, experienced an unforgettable night. At the end of the performance, thousands of guests gave the Ankara State Opera and Ballet artists a standing ovation for a long time. Plaques were presented to those who contributed by Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun and Metropolitan Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu. On the other hand, the people of Denizli, who flocked to the Ancient City of Laodicea before the concert, received information about the ancient city accompanied by guides, took plenty of souvenir photos, and met with the historic city.

News Source: 12punto