Kalila and Dimna myths in Cyprus

"άγριο αυγό" and the production team invite you to the theatrical performance:

"The Adventures of Baydaba and Dabshalim in the Land of Kalila and Dimna"

The play is based on the book of fables Kalilah wa Dimnah, translated into Arabic by Ibn AlMoqaffa". It is believed that the fables originated more than 2000 years ago in India, paralleled by the Greek fables attributed to Aesop. They are rooted in the oral tradition and in the books of wisdom intended as moral mirrors for princes of India. These fables were first written in Sanskrit around CE 300 in Kashmir and collected in books such as the Panchatantra and the Mahabharata.

The performance "The adventures of Baydaba and Dabshalim in the land of Kalila and Dimna'" concentrates on the main story in the book entitled "The Lion and the Bull". The philosopher Baydaba undertakes the mission of reforming the immature King Dabshalim and of guiding him through an enlightening journey in the realm of animals, for the purpose of guiding him towards wisdom and good governance.

Concept and dramaturgy
The two actors interpret in turn the different animals, represented in shadow puppets, using skilful voice and movement techniques.

One of the aims of the director is to bring together elements from different cultures: text, acting styles, set, music, costumes, puppets and scenic vocabulary and to create a sort of coherent mosaic.

The genre that we are attempting to integrate in this play is a form of 'Magical Realism' where elements of reality are interwoven with fantasy which gives the performance an additional dimension. This happens through the blurring of the line between cast and crew, between actor and puppet and between the action behind and in front of the screen, as well as between past and present.

Production Team
Adaptation / Direction: Joyce Mroueh
Performers: Nikandros Savvides, Philippos Philippou
Original Music: Isaac's Cello
Stage design: Vasilis Iereides
Designing / Making of the puppets: Joyce Mroueh
Lighting Design / Technical support: Paraplevros Productions
Assistant stage designer: Stephanie Kesi
Production Manager: Stephanie Polycarpou

The Drama department students of the American Academy Nicosia will assist us as stage hands and puppeteers and also in the execution of the puppets.