Malta: Considered as the crossroad for Mediterranean culture and

civilisation, is chosen for the International debut outside the shores of Italy,
by the National Institute of Ancient Drama.

For theatre enthusiasts, Ancient Greek Drama

will be available in Malta at the Greek Theatre
in Ta’Qali on the 27th, 28th and 29th of June at
20:30hrs (duration approx 76 minutes).
This is being brought to Malta by the prestigious
“National Institute of Ancient Drama” better
known as INDA (Istituto Nazionale del
Dramma Antico) of Syracuse a non-profit
foundation established at the beginning of the
twentieth century. Since its inception in 1913,
INDA has been working to revive ancient drama
by encouraging its performance in ancient
theatres across Italy. For almost a century Syracuse (in Sicily) has been the main site where
INDA's productions have been staged. However, performances organised by INDA are
staged in other Greek and Roman theatres around Italy, such as: Segesta; Taormina;
Pompeii; Benevento; Gubbio; and Trieste. This year, for the first time ever, INDA will
take its production overseas and premiere in Malta with "The Supplices".
These shows symbolise ancient drama, an ever effective way to investigate and reflect
on humanity.
The Supplices of Aeschylus

In order to avoid impious marriage with their cousins, Danao's daughters fled from Egypt.
Under the guidance of their father they seek refuge on the Argive coast where they
supplicate Pelasgo, king of Argo, to whom they explain, at length, the reasons for their
escape and the history of their ancestry. Whilst appearing foreign due to their exotic
appearance and clothing, they claim to be of Argive origin.
They profess to be the descendents of the maiden Io, progeny of Argive, who was loved
and impregnated by Zeus and persecuted by Era.
Transformed into a cow and tormented by the sting of a horsefly and after much wandering
Io arrived in Egypt where she had given birth to Epafo, their ancestor.

The King listens to the plea of the Danaidi but hesitates in granting his protection as he
might prejudice the safety and the lives of his people. The situation becomes complicated
when the maidens plot to commit suicide by hanging from the statues of the Gods thus
profaning the place. The only solution possible for the King is to find the support and
consensus of his people. He summons a democratic assembly ante litteram, in which the
Argivi decide to welcome the Danaidi. After offering his prayers in the temple of the city,
Danao takes this news to his daughters.

Danao and the maidens rejoice. But their celebration is short lived as in the distance they
can fathom on the horizon Egyptian ships heading towards the coast. The messenger
arrives, bursting on to the scene, and insults the Danaidi, cursing and commanding them to
head for the ships but the King protects them. The intruders are driven away parting with
threats of war. The Danaidi enter Argo to take up residence and urged by their father they
behave with solemnity and gratitude towards the public that had heard their plea.

Tickets cost €12 and are available online from www.maltaticket.com, or can be purchased
directly form the following outlets: Agenda Bookshop, Bookends, Exotique (VSC Ltd.),
Newskiosk and Vodafone. For more information please phone the Maltese Italian
Chamber of Commerce on 21244895 / 27223327 or email info@micc.org.mt.