Grottammare, Italy | October 24, 2026
An international cultural gathering celebrates the enduring legacy of Euripides through a moving staged reading of “Alcestis,” highlighting the power of culture to unite nations and generations.
The timeless values of ancient Greek tragedy took centre stage in Grottammare, Italy, on October 24, 2026, as the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy of Ancona presented a staged reading of Euripides’ Alcestis at the magnificent Sistine Museum of Grottammare.
Held as part of the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition, the cultural event brought together artists, students, educators and audiences from different countries in a celebration of Greek cultural heritage, artistic expression and international friendship.
The performance offered an emotional journey into one of the most enduring works of ancient Greek drama, exploring universal themes of love, sacrifice, solidarity, devotion and hope. Through the power of theatrical interpretation, the ancient tragedy demonstrated its continuing relevance to contemporary society and its ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
A Powerful Interpretation of Euripides’ Masterpiece
The staged reading featured an international cast of performers who brought the characters of Alcestis to life under the direction of Massimo Lopez.
The cast included Marisa Abbatantuoni as Heracles, Sofia Briccio as Thanatos, Giancarlo T. Dell’Aquila as Pheres, Haris Koudounas as Narrator, Massimo Lopez as Admetus, Carmela Mariella as Alcestis, Emy Morelli as Apollo and Federica Pesaresi as the Handmaid.
Special recognition was given to director Massimo Lopez for his passion, sensitivity and professionalism, which contributed to the artistic quality and emotional depth of the presentation.
The production highlighted the extraordinary ability of ancient Greek tragedy to address fundamental human questions that remain relevant regardless of nationality, generation or historical period.
Greek Students Bring an Authentic Hellenic Spirit
One of the most meaningful elements of the event was the participation of the Greek student choir from the 3rd General Lyceum of Paleo Faliro “Sofia Befon,” representing Greece.
Accompanied by their teachers, Georgia Bokola, Dimitrios Zarkadoulas and Efthihia Karaiskou, the students contributed a distinctive Hellenic atmosphere to the gathering, strengthening the connection between Greece’s cultural heritage and the younger generation.
Their participation highlighted the importance of educational and cultural exchanges in preserving historical memory, encouraging artistic creativity and introducing young people to the universal legacy of ancient Greek civilisation.
The event also welcomed representatives of the Piarist School of Vác, Hungary, adding another important dimension to the international character of the initiative.
Culture as a Bridge Between Nations
The audience's enthusiastic response was another defining feature of the occasion. The historic venue welcomed a large audience that followed the performance with attention and genuine emotion.
The gathering brought together people of different nationalities and generations, united by their appreciation of theatre, music, literature and cultural heritage.
Alceste Aubert, Vice-President of the Alma Academy Liszt Music Art, introduced the event, while the Presidency of the Liszt Academy expressed its congratulations and appreciation for the success of the initiative.
The participation of cultural institutions, educational communities, artists and international guests demonstrated how artistic initiatives can create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation.
Promoting Greek Culture Through Cultural Diplomacy
For the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy of Ancona, the presentation of Alcestis represented an important contribution to the international promotion of Greek culture and the enduring influence of ancient Greek literature.
Cultural diplomacy plays an increasingly important role in fostering relationships between nations by creating opportunities for shared experiences, artistic collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Through Euripides’ work, the event reaffirmed that Greek cultural heritage is not confined to the past. Its values, questions and emotional power continue to inspire audiences around the world, offering a common language through which people from different backgrounds can connect.
The collaboration between participants from Greece, Italy and Hungary also illustrated the potential of educational and artistic partnerships to strengthen international relations and encourage future cultural initiatives.
A Celebration of Friendship and Shared Heritage
The success of the event was made possible through the collective contribution of the performers, students, teachers, organisers, cultural representatives and audience members who participated in the occasion.
More than a theatrical presentation, the staged reading of Alcestis became a celebration of the shared human values that connect societies across borders.
As the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy of Ancona emphasised in its message following the event, culture has the power to unite people where geographical and national boundaries might otherwise divide them.
The initiative has expressed the hope that this experience will serve as the beginning of further international cultural collaborations, continuing to promote Greek civilisation, artistic excellence and friendship among nations.
Hellenic Media Group recognises the importance of such initiatives in highlighting the international presence of Greek culture and the continuing contribution of cultural diplomacy to dialogue and cooperation between peoples.
Culture unites what borders divide.
Hellenic Media Group | International Culture & Arts