Breath of Light / Πνοή Φωτός was presented on 28 and 29 July 2026 at the Sanctuary of Apollo in the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth. MENTOR in Culture undertook the production management of this site-specific, walking and participatory performance, presented within All of Greece One Culture 2026.
Under the artistic direction, direction and choreography of Apostolia Papadamaki, the performance invited the audience to a contemporary experiential encounter with one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Peloponnese. Music, speech, movement and the human voice were interwoven with the landscape and memory, shaping a ritual journey in which the archaeological site did not function as a stage backdrop, but as an active part of the artistic experience.
Taking the Apollonian principles of light, music and harmony as its starting point, the work explored the transition from darkness to consciousness as a process of revelation and reflection. Through the Anamnesis methodology, the audience was invited to move through the space and experience the Sanctuary of Apollo not only as a monument of the past, but as a living field of presence, participation and collective memory.
At the centre of the stage action was Lydia Koniordou, while Maria Papageorgiou contributed through her musical and vocal presence to the creation of the work’s distinctive atmosphere. The original music composed by Tryfon Koutsourelis and the dramaturgy, theatrical text and lyrics by Panos Gkiokas, who held the dual role of production director, as the founder and CEO of MENTOR, formed the musical and dramaturgical core of the performance.
The performers Ilia Koukouzeli, Marianthi Plataki, Semeli Papagiannakopoulou, Elena Rangou and Sapphire Sumpter connected the body with the archaeological site and the natural landscape through their movement. A distinctive part of the performance was the participation of the Children’s Choir of the Madrigaleios Music School of Corinth, under the direction of Falia Papagiannopoulou, strengthening the work’s connection with the local community and the younger generation of Corinth.
MENTOR in Culture undertook the production direction and organisation of the work, designing and coordinating the implementation of a complex site-specific production within a protected archaeological site.
The MENTOR team managed the overall production planning and the coordination of the artistic, technical and organisational teams, as well as the collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinthia, institutional and local stakeholders, partners and supporters of the production. At the same time, it coordinated the operational and technical requirements, the accommodation and transportation of the contributors, the support of the volunteers, safety and medical coverage, as well as the individual communication and promotional needs.
The production approach was based on respect for the archaeological site, close collaboration with all parties involved and the creation of the appropriate conditions for the artistic vision to be realised with consistency, safety and a high level of aesthetic and organisational excellence.
The two sold-out performances highlighted the capacity of contemporary artistic creation to reactivate cultural heritage sites and create new relationships between the audience, art, history and the landscape.
Artistic Direction – Direction – Choreography: Apostolia Papadamaki
Music Composition: Tryfon Koutsourelis
Dramaturgy – Theatrical Text and Lyrics: Panos Gkiokas
Starring: Lydia Koniordou, Maria Papageorgiou
Performers: Ilia Koukouzeli, Marianthi Plataki, Semeli Papagiannakopoulou, Elena Raggou, Sapphire Sumpter
Costumes: Greek Archaic Kori, courtesy of Greek Archaic Kori
Natural Dyeing of Costumes: The Botanical Project – Theodora Androni
With the participation of the Children’s Choir of the Madrigaleio Music School of Corinth
Choir Conductor: Falia Papagiannopoulou
Scientific Advisor: Panagiota Kasimi, Archaeologist, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinthia
Scientific Advisors in Archaeomusicology: Angela Bellia, Erica Angliker
Lighting Designer: Christos Tziogas
Assistant Choreographer: Konstantina Liontou
Assistant Director: Giorgos Palios
Technical Support: Tasos Konstantinou
Photography & Videography: Panagiotis Simopoulos
Graphic / Visual Designer: Areion Stefanidis
Social Media Management: VNV Digital Media
Production Management: MENTOR in Culture
Production Team: Martha Stroumpou, Myrto Staratzi, Ian Christidis, Vasilis Vasiliou, Christina Kostaki
Volunteers: Elodie Pechard, Stavria Gaitanaki, Andrea Herrera, Jelena Vukmirica, Tonja Merryweather, Christina Zampas, Sylvia Karastathi, Efi Latifi, Anastasiia Kutkovska, Katerina Agorogianni, Vili Alexiou, Melissa Acierno, Paraskevi Bakis
A production by QUASI STELLAR AMKE