ELIAS, synopsis
A dramatic musical exploration of drive and democracy through the eyes of journalist Elias Demetracopoulos, based on the “The Greek Connection” by James Barron.
Primarily in English, ELIAS incorporates fragments of Greek poetry translated as supertitles for non-Hellenic audiences. These excerpts are sourced from texts including rebetiko, a style of music that “began in the jails and hashish dens of poor Greek towns and became the popular bouzouki music of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s.” (Gail Holst).
The Greek Connection, by James Barron is the source on which ELIAS is based. A perusal copy of the work as PDF is available to interested parties.
The Creative Team
Author/Source Authority: James Barron
Composer/Dramaturg: Costas Dafnis
The creative team for ELIAS is seeking a journalist as another collaborator passionate about adapting salient moments of Elias’ life for the stage. This writer will have a significant amount of creative input and will work directly with The Greek Connection author James Barron and composer/lyricist Costas Dafnis. Initial workshops are expected to be held in San Francisco, CA. Reach out to cdafnis@sfcm.edu for more information.
The Music of Elias
The musical style of ELIAS is modern and cinematic, infused with subtle elements of the bouzouki tunes and heart-wrenching songs from which Elias sought comfort throughout his life.
Rebetiko has syncretic parallels with American blues and Turkish makams, but remains largely unheard by theatre and opera audiences. Considered dangerous, sub-culture and revolutionary, the style, in interesting resonance with Elias himself, was censored by the government and, for several decades, preserved mainly by American recordings.
