TaVLI
Spread the word
The historical play "To Tavli (Backgammon)" by Dimitris Kehaidis, one of the most important Greek dramatists of the post-war period, is presented in a Tour throughout Greece directed by Alexandros Rigas.
"To Tavli" was written and presented in 1972, during the dictatorship, at Art Theatre under Karolos Koun's direction. Since then, it has been one of the cornerstone works of Greek drama. It is a ground-breaking work of profane satire and wit, with many ups and downs and great successes.
The author's realistic writing locates and reflects the core of modern Greek: his situation, his dreams, his strength, and his immorality. His immoral morality, which, in front of money and his innate, one might say, desire to escape from his impasses—financially but also socially—makes him willing to sacrifice everything: relationships, people, logic, ethics and love. Even the much-vaunted Greek philotimo becomes a white flag of surrender at the dice.
Dimitris Kehaidis' modern Greek heroes, however, do not deceive life. They deceive themselves and hold mirrors in their hands while playing Backgammon. To show us not who we are but who we should not be.
"To Tavli" (Backgammon) has an excellent plot and demonic rhythm. Its strong, special, sarcastic and cynical sense of humour is a penetrating look at the human comedy hidden in small tragedies.
With a strong folk element, the heroes of the play are "lamogia," who, in a magical way, make you feel sympathy in a "lumen" post-war environment. The bitter truths presented by the author become sweet smiles on the viewers' lips.
Fondas (Antonis Krompas) and Kolias (Alexandros Rigas), two friends and brothers-in-law, wake up from their midday siesta and follow their ritual: coffee, backgammon championship and the search for the business that will make them rich and important.
Fontas, an unemployed visionary of easy money, constantly generates ideas ready to be cashed out. Kolias, a lottery player with a resistance member past—at least that's what he himself says—resists easy ideas until Fontas convinces him of the great moments to come.
These are two authentic, popular and completely recognisable characters. They tolerate and exploit each other.
During their conversation, the tone rises. The social types collapse, mouths open, and tell truths—truths that hurt and trouble. Soon, they cancel each other out and continue "insanely" making their plans for overseas travel and exploitation of people and needs. With the common denominator of illusion, they aim to become great people but are heading towards becoming nothing but monsters.
Performance hours: 18:15 & 21:15