Zorba the Greek

After the enormous success achieved in previous years, the ballet in two acts Zorba the Greek is being presented again at the Roman Theatre, with music by Mikīs Theodōrakīs and choreography by Lorca Massine.

On August 25 and 26, the Fondazione Arena dance company will perform, coordinated by Gaetano Petrosino in a production by Fondazione Arena, with sets designed by Filippo Tonon, costume coordination by Silvia Bonetti, and lighting by Sergio Toffali.

The work, originally titled "The Life and Times of Alexis Zorba" but simply known as "Zorba the Greek," is the most well-known novel by the Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Published in 1946, it owes its fame to the film adaptation made twenty years later by director Michael Cacoyannis, starring American actor Anthony Quinn as Alexis Zorba and Greek actress Irene Papas as the widow. The iconic scene where the protagonist dances the sirtaki on the beach, the piece known as Zorba's Dance, has since become a popular dance in Greece.

The film was nominated for numerous awards, including six Oscars (of which it won three for Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography), five Golden Globes, four Bafta awards, a Grammy Award, and a Laurel Award.