The Earthquake in Chile

Alternative Stage Founding Donor  

Major Sponsor of the Greek National Opera

The GNO Alternative Stage is extending its partnership with the Municipal & Regional Theatre of Kavala for a second consecutive year, aiming to showcase contemporary artistic works and strengthen the connection between the periphery and the Athenian audience. Five original productions from this year’s 69th Philippi Festival – organized by the Municipal & Regional Theatre of Kavala – will be showcased at the GNO Alternative Stage at the SNFCC on 18, 19, and 20 September 2026. These performances will introduce audiences to works commissioned by the Festival that, for the first time, transcend the narrow confines of theatre and engage in dialogue with music, opera, shadow puppet theatre, and visual installations.

When disaster strikes, nature reveals everything in its true scale. When all human constructions fall apart, what holds humans to their civilization is something immaterial. Perhaps it is faith –  in God or in other people. The hope that everything can be recreated from scratch. The certainty of an embrace that seems to be the only solid thing when everything has just collapsed. Beneath the grandeur of catastrophe, we are all equal. What once seemed like unforgivable crimes now feels like memories from past lives. Humans are free. For a while. Because when man’s law returns, it will be more ruthless than ever. Sinners will look more sinful than ever. Alas to those who found happiness in destruction.

German author Heinrich von Kleist’s famous novella The Earthquake in Chile transports audiences to Santiago in 1647, where a disastrous event disrupts all social certainties.