HE
WHO MUST DIE, a dramatic play based on Christ
Re-Crucified by Nikos Kazantzakis (the author of Zorba the Greek)
Come experience an ecumenical masterpiece
of world literature, which has been adapted into film, television series, an
opera, and now a theatrical play, moving audiences from around the world in
more than 30 languages. It is a profound
exploration of our human condition, in which the trials and tribulations of a
subjugated Greek Village in Asia Minor become the springboard for global
reflection on the existential and social conflicts that pervade our society
today.
Performed
entirely in English, the play is being staged in a six-performance run on
January 4-6, 2013 at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre. The play was written
by Michael Antonakes, a retired English/Classics professor
and life-long Kazantzakis scholar. The play is being produced by Dean
Antonakes of D MAjor Productions, marking the 40th anniversary of his
father's last production of the play.
The
internationally renowned guitarist, Pavlo, recorded the musical score for the play, and the renowned
Greek-Canadian Mezzo Soprano, Ariana Chris, will be acting and singing in the
role of the Narrator. Proceeds are being donated to the AHEPA Toronto
Scholarship Fund, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation and the Geneva Centre for
Autism.
This
is a unique Greek cultural, historical and educational event you will not want
to miss.
Performances:
Friday January 4th 2013, 1:00pm and 7:30pm
Saturday January 5th 2013, 1:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday January 6th 2013, 1:00pm and 7:30pm
Where:
Richmond Hill Performing
Arts Centre
Call
for Tickets: 905-787-8811
Tickets
Online: www.hewhomustdie.com
$49.00 Adults/$44.00 students/seniors
$25.00 Matinee
Tickets available for students/seniors
Use Stocking
Stuffer Discount code: xmas2012
Further
info: www.hewhomustdie.com
Contact:
dean@dmajorproductions.com
Dean
M. Antonakes
Producer
D
MAjor Productions Inc.
Tel:
905-903-6649
Our Cast
|
ARIANA CHRIS
The Narrator
|
Internationally acclaimed mezzo
soprano Ariana Chris performs leading roles in esteemed opera houses around
the world including Opera Nantes Angers France, Hong Kong Opera, Santa Fe
Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Montreal Opera, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and
was for several seasons with New York City Opera. Her notable appearances
include representing Greece at the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the
World Competition, singing the Polish National Premiere of Ariadne auf Naxos
with Opera Baltycka for Mezzo Television broadcast in 39 countries and
performing the Greek National Anthem for an audience of millions at the
Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
|
|
BILL CHAMBERS
Panayotaros
|
When I was asked by Dean Antonakes about my experience
in live theatre, I replied 'I have several years experience with drama and
Greek tragedy; in my prior marriage'.....'You're hired!' Dean exclaimed. All
humour aside, as a first generation Greek Orthodox Christian, I feel great
pride and honour performing in this production. I hope it is conveyed in my
performance, and equally enjoyed by the audience. Enjoy the show!
|
|
CARL GAMBACORT
Ladas
|
Carl studied
acting at the school of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor. His most recent
acting credits include the premiere of David Fraser’s’ Betting on the
Riverman for the Hamilton Fringe Festival and the ACTCO award-winning
production of The Magic Fire for Markham Little Theatre. Directing credits
include The Tempest for Village Theatre in Waterdown. Carl teaches drama and
is a founding staff member of The Karen Kain School of the Arts in Toronto.
|
|
FRANK JOHNSTON
Dimitri
|
Frank has
been involved in community theatre for the last thirty years. His latest
roles were in Theatre Aurora’s productions of “The Glorious 12th”, The Drawer
Boy”, and "Just for You". He has also appeared in plays at the
Curtain Club in Richmond Hill, Howard Johnson’s in Aurora, Theatre on Main
and The Old Town Hall, both in Newmarket. He appreciates the opportunity to
work with Dean and Andrea as well as the talented cast and crew of “He Who
Must Die”.
|
|
JOHN TOKATLIDIS
Manolios
|
Highlights of John's theatrical work include roles as
"Vinnie", "Tony" and "Domenic" in The Second
City's presentation of Tony'n'Tina's Wedding, the role of "Johnny
Nogarelli" in the well-received musical Greased Too! and the role of
"Jimmy" in the critically acclaimed dark comedy Jimmy & Vito -
a piece he both co-wrote and co-produced. John has also been featured in
several television and film spots including The End of Silence, Mob Stories,
Sweet Karma, The Border, Breakout Kings and soon to be released feature film
Compulsion starring Heather Graham and Carrie Ann Moss.
|
|
JOHN TOWSLEY
Old Man
|
John is serial Entrepreneur by
day. His last appearance on stage was, well, in high school. When John said
“I’m good for a row” (meaning a row of seats for the show), Dean heard, “I’m
good for a ROLE”, and his fate was sealed. John is thrilled to be part of
this production with such talented cast and team. He appreciates Dean’s faith
in his ability as well as the support from his wife and family.
|
|
JUSTIN BORROW
Michalis
|
Justin Borrow is a Toronto
based Actor and Musician. He is a third year Theatre Major at York University
and has been trained by notable Canadian actors such as Sarah Evans and
Marvin Ishmael as well as voice coach Tom Bradshaw. He has both stage and film
experience and was recently cast as Elijah in the short film "What About
Joe?" with the Toronto Film School. His past projects have included a
devised production of The Laramie Project and some of his past roles have
included: Cory Jr in Back to the 80's and Oberon in a Midsummer night's
dream. Justin was the recipient of the PDSB Award Of Distinction in 2010 for
his outstanding work in the dramatic arts.
|
|
KATERINA TAXIA
Katerina
|
Cast as
Cleopatra in the Discovery Channel’s Cleopatra’s Palace, Katerina gained
worldwide exposure due to the show’s appearance in 130 countries around the
globe. After serving as the Queen of the Nile, Katerina played the ultimate
Italian princess in the smash comedy hit Tony and Tina’s Wedding at the
Second City. She has had roles on hit television shows such as Warehouse 13,
Fringe, and This Is Wonderland. Most recently, she gave her time for a PSA
for The Princess Margaret Hospital with Academy award nominee director Hubert
Davis. Katerina is very proud and inspired to be part of such an amazing
production and honoured to get to play such a pivotal role. She thanks her
family for their constant support and love.
|
|
PAT ELIA
Father Gregoris
|
Pat trained
at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and apprenticed at Toronto Workshop
Productions. Some favourite roles include Lewis in Shadowlands,
Elwood in Harvey, Clouseau in The Pink Panther Strikes Again,
Oscar in The Odd Couple, Salieri in Amadeus and Fainall in
The Way of the World. His musical roles include the title in Man of La
Mancha, Fiorello, The Music Man and the King
in Camelot and Pirates of Penzance, Higgins in My Fair Lady, Fagin in Oliver
and Applegate in Damn Yankees. Other experiences include a
two-year stint as music director of The Smile Company and a short film, Sugar
’n Spice directed by David Cronenberg. Pat’s next role is the Major
General in The Pirates of Penzance in early February.
|
|
PETER SHIPSTON
Capetan Fortounas
|
Peter has won
numerous awards as both an actor and director while performing in local
community theatre for the past 20+ years. More recently he has begun doing
some professional work, including spending the last two summers in Bala as
part of a repertory company there (NewAct). Favourite roles include; Elwood
P. Dowd in Harvey (Theatre Aurora) , Mickey in Greetings (Blackhorse Village
Players), Siemi in The Good German (Shadowpath Productions), George in Same
Time Next Year (NewAct), Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangerouses, and many more
too numerous to name. It has been wonderful to be swept up in the passion and
enthusiasm for this production engendered by Dean, his family, and all my new
friends in the cast and crew.
|
|
SABRINA MASTRANGELO
Lenio
|
Sabrina is a
3rd year honour student at York University studying Theatre and Psychology.
She enjoys acting, dancing and singing. Selected stage credits include Rent,
Miss Saigon, Grease, Chess, Footloose and High School Musical at Theatre
Aquarius in Hamilton and Hamlet at Hamilton Urban Theatre. She is truly
honoured to be a part of such a fantastic cast.
|
|
SAL AGUILA
Agha
|
Sal has been
involved in acting for quite some time and has been seen throughout the city
in roles as varied as Lenny Smalls in “Of Mice and Men” and Stanley Kowalski
in “A Streetcar Named Desire”. He was last seen in Aurora’s production of
“Harvey” and also Directed Aurora’s production of “Private Lives”. He is very
pleased to be working with such a talented and friendly cast, and honoured to
have been asked to participate in such an extraordinary and important play.
Thank you Dean and Andrea for this wonderful opportunity.
|
|
STEVE KASTORAS
Archon Patriarcheas
|
Steve has
been performing on stage since high school. He has performed in the Odd
Couple and in many Greek community theatrical productions such as Papaflessas
and Kapodistrias: historical Greek plays. In 1987, Steve played the lead role
of Trygaios in Aristophanes' sarcastic comedy "Peace" and in 1997
was given a role in Woody Allen's "God". Playing the Archon in
"He Who Must Die" is a wonderful opportunity to work with an
incredible cast, director and producer.
|
|
TIM NASIOPOULOS
Father Fotis
|
Tim
Nasiopoulos is a Toronto born, Toronto trained actor and stand up comedian.
He's performed alongside Tim Allen and Chevy Chase in 'Zoom' and has honed
his craft at the prestigious Carter Thor Acting Studio for the last few
years. Tim has been touring the country and played across the United States
as a stand up comedian, opening for Comedy superstar Angelo Tsarouchas in
Montreal, Toronto and most recently Chicago.
|
|
TOM ANASTASIOS HARALAMPIDIS
Kostantes
|
Tom has been
actively involved in the independent theatre community for the past 18 years.
He has worked mainly as an actor, but has also stage-managed and directed
several shows. His focus for the past six years has been primarily film,
having successfully completed a short film (The Hitman Brunch) as producer
and director. He teaches Acting for Film classes. Tom wishes to thank his
wife Niky for her patience and support and extend his sincere gratitude to
Dean for inviting him to be part of this inspiring production.
|
|
VANA AMANATIDIS
Despina
|
I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful production
playing the part of Despina, the nagging Greek wife of Kosta the cafe owner.
No, I did not get the part because I am Dean's sister-in-law. It was my 25
years of marriage that prepared me and won me this role! What a thrill it is
working with such amazing and talented actors! I am loving every minute of
it.
|
|
VASILLIOS FILIPPAKIS
Brahimaki
|
Vasilios Filippakis is excited
to be a part of this amazing production. He is finishing his last year at
York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor
of Education. He has been in a variety of productions starting from the age
of seven. This will be his tenth production but his first time in a Greek
based play. He thanks his family and friends for all their support.
|
|
ANDREA
EMMERTON
Director
|
Andrea has been involved in theatre for many years as a
director, lighting designer, and stage manager. Selected directing credits
include: Dancing at Lughnasa, Shadowlands, If We Are Women,
Painting Churches, Salt Water Moon, Waiting For The Parade, The Rez Sisters,
Nuncrackers, I Ought To Be In Pictures,The Drawer Boy and Man of La Mancha. She
worked as Community Theatre Coordinator for Theatre Ontario for seven
years and was privileged to work with theatre companies across the province.
Andrea is thrilled to be working with such a talented and hard working cast
on the Canadian premiere of He Who Must Die. She would particularly
like to thank Professor Michael Antonakes for writing this wonderful play
and Dean Antonakes for entrusting her with this production which is so near
and dear to his heart.
|
ARIANA CHRIS
The
Narrator
 |
Internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano
Ariana Chris performs leading roles in esteemed opera houses around the world
including Opera Nantes Angers France, Hong Kong Opera, Santa Fe Opera,
Indianapolis Opera, Montreal Opera, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and was for
several seasons with New York City Opera. Her notable appearances include
representing Greece at the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World
Competition, singing the Polish National Premiere of Ariadne auf Naxos with
Opera Baltycka for Mezzo Television broadcast in 39 countries and performing the
Greek National Anthem for an audience of millions at the Closing Ceremonies of
the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
|
BILL CHAMBERS
Panayotaros
 |
When I was asked by Dean Antonakes about my experience in live theatre, I
replied 'I have several
years experience with drama and Greek tragedy; in my prior marriage'.....'You're
hired!' Dean exclaimed. All humour aside, as a first generation Greek Orthodox
Christian, I feel great pride and honour performing in this production. I hope
it is conveyed in my performance, and equally enjoyed by the audience. Enjoy
the show!
|
CARL GAMBACORT
Ladas
 |
Carl studied acting at the school of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor. His most recent acting credits include the premiere of David Fraser’s’ Betting on the Riverman for the Hamilton Fringe Festival and the ACTCO award-winning production of The Magic Fire for Markham Little Theatre. Directing credits include The Tempest for Village Theatre in Waterdown. Carl teaches drama and is a founding staff member of The Karen Kain School of the Arts in Toronto. |
|
FRANK JOHNSTON
Dimitri
 |
Frank has been involved in community theatre for the last thirty years. His latest roles were in Theatre Aurora’s productions of “The Glorious 12th”, The Drawer Boy”, and "Just for You". He has also appeared in plays at the Curtain Club in Richmond Hill, Howard Johnson’s in Aurora, Theatre on Main and The Old Town Hall, both in Newmarket. He appreciates the opportunity to work with Dean and Andrea as well as the talented cast and crew of “He Who Must Die”. |
JOHN TOKATLIDIS
Manolios
 |
Highlights of John's theatrical work include roles as "Vinnie", "Tony"
and "Domenic" in The Second City's presentation of Tony'n'Tina's Wedding, the
role of "Johnny Nogarelli" in the well-received musical Greased Too! and the
role of "Jimmy" in the critically acclaimed dark comedy Jimmy & Vito - a
piece he both co-wrote and co-produced. John has also been featured in several
television and film spots including The End of Silence, Mob Stories, Sweet
Karma, The Border, Breakout Kings and soon to be released feature film
Compulsion starring Heather Graham and Carrie Ann Moss.
|
|
JOHN TOWSLEY
Old Man
 |
John is serial Entrepreneur by day. His last appearance
on stage was, well, in high school. When John said “I’m good for a row” (meaning
a row of seats for the show), Dean heard, “I’m good for a ROLE”, and his fate
was sealed. John is thrilled to be part of this production with such talented
cast and team. He appreciates Dean’s faith in his ability as well as the support
from his wife and family.
|
JUSTIN BORROW
Michalis
 |
Justin Borrow is a Toronto based Actor and Musician. He
is a third year Theatre Major at York University and has been trained by notable
Canadian actors such as Sarah Evans and Marvin Ishmael as well as voice coach
Tom Bradshaw. He has both stage and film experience and was recently cast as
Elijah in the short film "What About Joe?" with the Toronto Film School. His
past projects have included a devised production of The Laramie Project and some
of his past roles have included: Cory Jr in Back to the 80's and Oberon in a
Midsummer night's dream. Justin was the recipient of the PDSB Award Of
Distinction in 2010 for his outstanding work in the dramatic
arts.
|
|
KATERINA TAXIA
Katerina
 |
Cast as Cleopatra in the Discovery Channel’s Cleopatra’s
Palace, Katerina gained worldwide exposure due to the show’s appearance in 130
countries around the globe. After serving as the Queen of the Nile, Katerina
played the ultimate Italian princess in the smash comedy hit Tony and Tina’s
Wedding at the Second City. She has had roles on hit television shows such
as Warehouse 13, Fringe, and This Is Wonderland. Most recently, she gave her
time for a PSA for The Princess Margaret Hospital with Academy award nominee
director Hubert Davis. Katerina is very proud and inspired to be part of such
an amazing production and honoured to get to play such a pivotal role. She
thanks her family for their constant support and love.
|
|
PAT ELIA
Father Gregoris
 |
Pat trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and
apprenticed at Toronto Workshop Productions.
Some favourite roles include Lewis in Shadowlands, Elwood in Harvey, Clouseau in The
Pink Panther Strikes Again, Oscar in The Odd Couple, Salieri in Amadeus and Fainall in The
Way of the World. His musical roles include the title in
Man of La Mancha, Fiorello, The Music Man and
the King in Camelot and Pirates of Penzance, Higgins in My
Fair Lady, Fagin in Oliver and
Applegate in Damn Yankees. Other
experiences include a two-year stint as music director of The Smile Company and
a short film, Sugar ’n Spice directed by David Cronenberg.
Pat’s next role is the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance in
early February.
|
|
PETER SHIPSTON
Capetan Fortounas
 |
Peter has won numerous awards as both an actor and
director while performing in local community theatre for the past 20+ years.
More recently he has begun doing some professional work, including spending the
last two summers in Bala as part of a repertory company there (NewAct).
Favourite roles include; Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey (Theatre Aurora) , Mickey in
Greetings (Blackhorse Village Players), Siemi in The Good German (Shadowpath
Productions), George in Same Time Next Year (NewAct), Valmont in Les Liaisons
Dangerouses, and many more too numerous to name. It has been wonderful to be
swept up in the passion and enthusiasm for this production engendered by Dean,
his family, and all my new friends in the cast and crew.
|
|
SABRINA MASTRANGELO
Lenio
 |
Sabrina is a 3rd year honour student at
York University studying Theatre and Psychology. She enjoys acting, dancing and singing. Selected stage credits include Rent, Miss
Saigon, Grease, Chess, Footloose and High School Musical at Theatre Aquarius in
Hamilton and Hamlet at Hamilton Urban Theatre.
She is truly honoured to be a part of such a fantastic cast.
|
|
SAL AGUILA
Agha
 |
Sal has been involved in acting for quite some time and
has been seen throughout the city in roles as varied as Lenny Smalls in “Of Mice
and Men” and Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire”. He was last seen in
Aurora’s production of “Harvey” and also Directed Aurora’s production of
“Private Lives”. He is very pleased to
be working with such a talented and friendly cast, and honoured to have been
asked to participate in such an extraordinary and important play. Thank you Dean
and Andrea for this wonderful opportunity.
|
|
STEVE KASTORAS
Archon Patriarcheas
 |
Steve has been performing on stage since high school. He
has performed in the Odd Couple and in many Greek community theatrical
productions such as Papaflessas and Kapodistrias: historical Greek plays. In
1987, Steve played the lead role of Trygaios in Aristophanes' sarcastic comedy
"Peace" and in 1997 was given a role in Woody Allen's "God". Playing the Archon
in "He Who Must Die" is a wonderful opportunity to work with an incredible cast,
director and producer.
|
|
TIM NASIOPOULOS
Father Fotis
 |
Tim Nasiopoulos is a Toronto born, Toronto trained actor
and stand up comedian. He's performed alongside Tim Allen and Chevy Chase in
'Zoom' and has honed his craft at the prestigious Carter Thor Acting Studio for
the last few years. Tim has been touring the country and played across the
United States as a stand up comedian, opening for Comedy superstar Angelo
Tsarouchas in Montreal, Toronto and most recently Chicago.
|
TOM ANASTASIOS HARALAMPIDIS
Kostantes
 |
Tom has been actively involved in the
independent theatre community for the past 18 years. He has worked mainly as an
actor, but has also stage-managed and directed several shows. His focus for the
past six years has been primarily film, having successfully completed a short
film (The Hitman Brunch) as producer and director. He teaches Acting for Film
classes. Tom wishes to thank his wife Niky for her patience and support and
extend his sincere gratitude to Dean for inviting him to be part of this
inspiring production.
|
|
VANA AMANATIDIS
Despina
 |
I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful production
playing the part of Despina, the nagging Greek wife of Kosta the cafe owner.
No, I did not get the part because I am Dean's sister-in-law. It was my 25
years of marriage that prepared me and won me this role! What a thrill it is
working with such amazing and talented actors! I am loving every minute of it.
|
|
VASILLIOS FILIPPAKIS
Brahimaki
 |
Vasilios Filippakis is excited to be a part of this
amazing production. He is finishing his last year at York University, graduating
with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Education. He has been in a
variety of productions starting from the age of seven. This will be his tenth
production but his first time in a Greek based play. He thanks his family and
friends for all their support.
|
|
ANDREA
EMMERTON
Director
 |
Andrea has been involved in theatre for many years as a director,
lighting designer, and stage manager.
Selected directing credits include: Dancing
at Lughnasa, Shadowlands, If We
Are Women, Painting Churches, Salt Water Moon, Waiting For The Parade, The Rez
Sisters, Nuncrackers, I Ought To Be In Pictures,The Drawer Boy and Man of La
Mancha. She worked as Community Theatre Coordinator for Theatre Ontario for seven
years and was privileged to work with theatre companies across the
province. Andrea is thrilled to be
working with such a talented and hard working cast on the Canadian premiere of
He Who Must Die. She
would particularly like to thank
Professor Michael Antonakes for writing this wonderful play and Dean Antonakes
for entrusting her with this production which is so near and dear to his
heart.
|
HE WHO MUST DIE - Past,
Present & Future
The past…
My father, Professor Michael Antonakes,
read Nikos Kazantzakis’ Zorba the Greek in 1948. I remember him saying that the book “changed my life forever”. He had recently
returned from military service in WWII.
A combat marine at Okinawa, Dad had visited his first Buddhist monastery
there and was drawn to Kazantzakis’ respect for Eastern religion and his on-going
search for God.
Soon after, Dad read Kazantzakis’ Christ
Re-Crucified. While studying for his Ph.D. at NYU and working as a Broadway
equity actor, he decided to translate and adapt the book for the stage, working
on the script for five years from 1952-1957. Prior to launching his first
studio performance of his new play, He Who Must Die, he wrote to Nikos
Kazantzakis and asked his permission. Just
a few months before his death in March 1957, Kazantzakis wrote him back:
“I can see that you understand very well how difficult it is
to write a theatrical work based on my novel, Christ Re-crucified. Since you are Greek and say how much you love the theater and
especially, how much you have worked and continue to work in the theater and in
television, I would like to permit you to try, that is, to do a theatrical
presentation of The Greek Passion for the Studio -- The Herbert Berghof
Studio.”
Dad directed and played
the role of the Christ figure, Manolios in this first studio production of his
stage adaptation. The run was a great success, but Nikos Kazantzakis died on
opening night and left an indelible mark on my father’s literary, theatrical
and academic careers.
In 1960, the year
my sister Paula was born, my father took the next step with He Who Must Die.
It was staged again at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. This event was
marked as the “the first production of a modern Greek play in the United
States”. The play was universally heralded as a triumph:
“The production is a moving and absorbing thesis on the philosophy
that human beings are incapable of dealing with a saint; that the common good
too often appears to be endangered by extraordinary and purely un-self-centered
goodness.
The play is an outstanding artistic triumph of a sort a hundred fold
more inspiring and satisfactory than is usually seen on the professional
stage.”
-
Waterbury
Republican
“He Who Must Die is striking
-- in its message and in its mounting. It represents an impressive
undertaking and an exceptional measure of professionalism. It is an opportunity New Haven theater-goers
should not miss. It would seem to offer a pattern for commercial production
which Broadway can hardly attempt to neglect.”
- New Haven Evening Register
In 1962, soon after I was born, my parents
moved to Greece for two years. Dad was studying at the University of Athens on
a Fulbright scholarship. He was completing his doctoral theses on Kazantzakis
and Christ. We would return to Boston,
with Dad teaching English & Classics at Salem State University. In 1972, He
Who Must Die was staged again at the Salem State University Theatre, in a
sold-out, eight-performance run. At nine
years old, I saw my father on the stage for the first time, in the powerful
role of Capetan Fortounas. I have been
infected with the theater bug ever since.
I remember meeting Mrs. Eleni Kazantzakis,
who travelled from Greece to see the play, and Dad reinforcing my Greek school lessons
with private tutoring on how to shake hands politely and say “Xero Poli”. Thank God the play impressed her more than my
Greek did! She was later quoted in the local newspapers, saying “He Who Must
Die is the best dramatic adaptation of my husband’s work I have seen”. She
insisted that the play be displayed permanently in the Nikos Kazantzakis museum
on Crete.
She maintained a friendship in letters with
my father until her death. Here is my favorite letter from 1972:
Bravo, my dear Mr. Antonakes!
I still remember with much emotion the beautiful
performance of “Christ Re-Crucified” and the good times we shared
together. I hope my presence was useful
to some end.
I am sending you all my good wishes. I hope to
see you again and to be able to rejoice in your performance, unforgettable
Capetan Fortounas.
With many friendly regards to your wife Elaine
and to our good friends,
Eleni Kazantzakis
Perhaps what influenced me the most about
the 1972 production of He Who Must Die was a new element that was added
to the play: an original score of Greek music, written by my second cousin,
Paul Demakis. Just seventeen years old at the time, Paul came over to our house
and played the music he had composed for my father ‘s play on our piano. I learned “Paul’s Music” by ear the next day,
and have played it ever since. It is my favorite music (even more than the
Beatles - which is the highest praise I can offer) because of its beauty,
passion, and emotion.
In 1979, my father staged another play
called “Man from Crete” a collage of the life’s work of Nikos Kazantzakis. At
17 years old, and by then an experienced high-school actor, I had the chance to
share the stage with my father, and two wonderful actors from He Who Must
Die – Tom Luddy (who played father Gregoris) and Jack Marshall (who played
Manolios). At the time, I did not fully
understand the true value my father was offering me, both by example and shared
experience. I get it now.
The present…
Actually, it started two years ago. I have always dreamed about producing He
Who Must Die as a tribute to my father’s work. Dad says that after spending
over fifty years of his life studying, dramatizing, lecturing and writing about
Nikos Kazantzakis, “I never made a penny
off Kazantzakis, but I am a better man for it”.
My production of He Who Must Die will be his lifetime achievement
award, and mark the 40th anniversary of his last staging of the play
in 1972.
I think, subconsciously, I have been
preparing for this journey for the past 5-7 years. Or perhaps since I was nine
years old, I was being prepared to produce this play: the piano lessons, the
Greek lessons (however ineffective) the drama work, a Greek Classical education,
and an engrained love of theatre and the performing arts. It’s like the chicken and the egg! For years, I have been producing charity, musical
stage concerts with my children to help develop their musical and performing
skills – like my parents had done for me.
In 2009, we produced “Life Goes On – A Beatles Journey” at the Richmond
Hill Performing Arts Centre, raising $10,000 for the Southlake Cancer Centre in
Newmarket.
So two years ago, my wife Nina said to me,
“Dean, you should produce your father’s play”.
I just smiled. I asked my Dad or a copy of the He Who Must Die
script, which he had updated and enhanced over the years, and delegated the
task of typing the script into a Word document to my daughter Demi and niece
Christine.
Ok, so I had an excellent and inspiring
script… Now the choice of the Theatre was easy. I wanted the Richmond Hill
Centre for the Performing Arts again, because it is gorgeous with an intimate
600 seats. Plus I had done a show there before and knew their excellent
staff. Their Technical Director, Graham
Maxwell, agreed to design our set, which creates a Greek village under Turkish
occupation in 1922 on a colossal scale.
Next, raising the money. When I committed to producing the play, I
decided that it had to be a no-compromise endeavor. My father had last produced the play on a tiny
university theatrical budget, and sold tickets for $1.00! I wanted to bring his vision to life again on
a grand scale both as a major Greek cultural event and as an opportunity to
raise money for several local charities.
So Nina and I spent over a year raising money with the goal of funding
the play’s $100,000 budget, and allowing all our ticket revenue to be pure
profit for our three charities: the AHEPA Toronto Scholarship Fund, the
Hellenic Heritage Foundation, and the Geneva Centre for Autism. Thanks to the
generosity of our sponsors, we are almost 75% to our goal of raising the money.
It is very important to understand that no one is getting paid here. Our cast
and production team are all volunteers. My father and cousin Paul have waived
all royalties, and even Kazantzakis Publications, who granted me the Canadian
rights to stage the production, has waived their royalties out of respect to my
father’s work.
Perhaps the greatest challenge in producing
a play with a cast of 40 actors is the casting.
I recruited a wonderful and sensitive director, Andrea Emmerton who
brings over 25 years of directing experience to our production. Together, we
spent four months casting the play, with the best professional and
semi-professional actors we could find. We are thrilled with the results.
Eleven of our seventeen speaking roles are cast to talented Greek-Canadian
actors.
We are honored to have the renowned Mezzo
Soprano Ariana Chris in our cast, in the role of the Narrator. The acclaimed guitarist Pavlo helped us
re-record the musical score – brining my cousin Paul’s music to new heights of
expression and sensitivity.
Our cast and creative team will bring the
play to life with drama, humor, and most of all, extraordinary passion.
Here is a synopsis of the play. It is
performed entirely in English, as my father wanted to educate a North American
audience about the works of Nikos Kazantzakis. The play begins with a powerful
video chronology of Modern Greek history from 2012 back to 1922, produced by my
son Michael.
The setting He Who Must Die
is the Greek village of Lycovrissi in Asia Minor, which is under Turkish
occupation in 1922. The village stages a passion play every seven years. The
village council casts a shepherd boy to play Jesus. The town saddle-maker is
chosen as Judas. The village widow plays Mary Magdalene. The rest of the
disciples are also chosen. As the play unfolds, the Passion Play becomes a
reality. A group of Greek refugees, uprooted and impoverished after uprising
against their Turkish overlords, arrive in Lycovrissi led by their priest. The
wealthier citizens of the town want nothing to do with the refugees and cast
them out -- but the shepherd boy and his disciples intercede. In the
context of the 1920's each of the characters plays out their biblical role in
actuality. The play is a testament to the Greek independent spirit and showcases
Greek music, dance, culture, history and faith.
Rehearsals have already started,
construction of our set has begun, and we are preparing for our performances on
January 4-6, 2013. It is the greatest
theatrical challenge of my life to bring honor to my father’s prior production
that was met with universal acclaim. I will not let him or our audience down.
Instead, they will witness an original work, with an original score of music,
in a world-class theatre, with an awesome set and an excellent company of
actors.
The future:
“…a pattern for commercial production
which Broadway can hardly attempt to neglect.”
Dean M
Antonakes, of D Major Productions, is the producer and artistic/music director
of HE WHO
MUST DIE which is will be staged in a six-performance
run on January 4-6 2013 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are available now, online at www.dmajorproductions.com.
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