Before the After

The original artistic walking experience took place at “Okto Alonia,” in the location of Gouvies, in the village of Sapounakeika, Tyros, in the Municipality of South Kynouria. The concept and artistic direction were by choreographer Aggeliki Papadatou, who has been living permanently in Sapounakeika for the past few years. The Center for Art and Culture, QUILOMBO LAB, under the direction of Nelli Poulopoulou, was responsible for organizing this event.

The theme explored by all the artists was memory and its imprint on space and the body. The artists collaborated with each other and with the volunteer participants, researching the theme of loss in the natural setting of the threshing floors, diving into both collective and individual memory. The result touched the audience on many levels.

As a walking experience, visitors were invited to walk, accompanied by volunteers, from the village square to the “Okto Alonia” and to discover, each at their own pace, the natural and cultural environment that connects them with the history and people of the past. Upon reaching the threshing floors, the audience watched and participated in the actions by walking along the path that crosses them.

The deserted threshing floors of today, symbolizing the changes brought by time, gained a new use and meaning through performing arts (dance, visual installations, music, and interaction).

Since “…Before the After…” was an experience inspired by the past, the Tsakonian language, a language that takes us deep into time, was a natural part of it.