Repertoire

Ballet in 2 acts
Running time:
2 hours. Presented with one interval.
Zorba The Greek
Mikis Theodorakis
Zorba The Greek

Libretto by L. Massine based on a novel by N. Kazantzakis.

  • Chief Choreographers:
  • Lorka MIASIN
  • Assistant Choreographer:
  • Anna KSHYSHKOV

 

SUMMARY

 

The story is set in a small Greek town, where John, an American tourist, comes to partici­pate in the Dionysiacs (ancient miracle-plays dedicated to the Greek god Dionysos).

John falls in love with a Greek girl named Marina. Manolios, a young local man, also loves her unrequitedly.

The people of the town are hostile to the foreigner. The situation becomes tense when Alexis Zorba returns to his native town. Quite unlike his compatriots he is a free and unbi­ased man. As if challenging everybody he starts a business with John and gradually makes friends with him, revealing to the young American the hidden meanings of the ancient ritual dances of the adherents of Dionysos.

Madame Hortense, a former courtesan, falls in love with the passionate Zorba and he re­turns her feelings. The vindictive and jealous Manolios provokes renewed hostility toward John and Marina. Marina dies, trampled by an angry mob.

Young friends of Manolios threaten John, but Zorba comes to his rescue.

Hortense dies of tuberculosis.

Zorba seeks consolation for his grief by dancing. He and John manage to bring the people together, uniting them through the vital energy of the dance. The message Zorba gives to John through his dance is that life must go on and people should always hope for a better future. Syrtaki, a Greek folk dance, reflects the triumphant energy of this people, a strong ancient nation whose energy, personified by Zorba, cannot be destroyed – it makes the world live on.