Cyprus is currently undergoing a remarkable cultural resurgence, with a wide array of artistic ventures captivating audiences across the entire island. From the insightful dialogue between two distinct artistic perspectives showcased at Nicosia's Apokalypsi Gallery to the groundbreaking narrative of a globally acclaimed television series, and the detailed documentation of architectural advancements, the island is proving to be a highly productive environment for creative expression. This developing cultural landscape is further enhanced by the upcoming January programme at the Rialto Theatre, promising a month filled with engaging theatrical performances, cinematic experiences, and even an imaginative marionette spectacle.
Within Nicosia's vibrant centre, the Apokalypsi Gallery is presently hosting "Parallel Visual Searches," an exhibition exploring the individual yet harmonious artistic paths of Marios and Anna Varella. This showcase, running until January 17th, presents a compelling contrast of their unique styles and thematic interests, offering visitors a rare chance to observe how two artists can develop different yet equally impactful visual languages within the same cultural context. The exhibition powerfully demonstrates the enduring capacity of painting as a medium for significant personal and societal commentary.
Beyond the traditional art world, Cyprus has also become a central location for a major global entertainment success. The recently launched post-apocalyptic science fiction series, "Pluribus," created by Vince Gilligan, has rapidly become Apple TV's most-watched show ever. Although its story is set in the fictional city of Albuquerque, the series' bold concept, which examines the complex balance between societal unity and individual freedom, is expected to deeply connect with viewers worldwide, encouraging reflection on current values and the essence of communal existence.
Looking forward, the Rialto Theatre is set to commence 2025 with a carefully selected January programme offering a rich variety of cultural events. The schedule includes a screening of Yorgos Lanthimos' highly anticipated film "Bugonia" on January 7th, followed by a series of impactful theatre productions. Audiences can anticipate Anna Vagena's powerful performance in "Angela," a play originally staged in 1999, and a production of Tennessee Williams' timeless classic, "The Glass Menagerie." Additional theatrical offerings include Vasilis Katsikonouris' "Milk" and Joël Pommerat's insightful "The Reunification of the Two Koreas." Adding a touch of international charm, the celebrated Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre will present "Alfred and Violetta" for multiple performances, while a musical evening featuring the talents of Kostas Hatzis and Daniela on January 24th will provide a delightful melodic interlude.
This dynamic array of artistic presentations is complemented by the recent release of an elegant, bilingual publication dedicated to the architectural works and life of Neoptolemos Michaelides. This important book, published by Park Books and edited by Haris Hatzivassiliou, with stunning photographic contributions from Javier Callejas, meticulously details the considerable influence Michaelides, who studied architecture in Milan from 1938 before returning to Cyprus due to World War II and resuming his studies in 1947, had on Cypriot modernism. The volume not only displays his iconic designs but also explores his creative processes, providing valuable insights into his architectural principles. Co-authored by his wife, artist Maria Toufexi, and featuring contributions from renowned architectural historian Kenneth Frampton, the book highlights Michaelides' crucial role in shaping the island's built environment, a legacy further strengthened by his establishment of the Cyprus Architectural Heritage Organization in 1979. Collectively, these diverse cultural events emphasize Cyprus' growing prominence as a key centre for artistic innovation and cultural dialogue.