Nekyia

A text based on Book 11 of Homer’s “Odyssey”

A mystical and sonotropic descent into Hades unfolds through the pages of the Onassis Foundation’s new publication, with a strange prayer book taking us on a journey into the abyss of the Homeric epic.

Delving into Homer’s “Odyssey” was a lifelong dream for the leading creator of the Greek rock scene, Giannis Aggelakas. The dream became true on December 21, 2023, the longest night of the year. Produced by Onassis Stegi, the “Nekyia” performance, based on Book 11 of Homer’s “Odyssey”, translated in Modern Greek by George Psychoundakis, freely adapted and with original lyrics by Giannis Aggelakas and distinguished dramatist Theodora Kapralou, under the direction of Christos Papadopoulos, made its premiere at the Onassis Stegi Main Stage.

"Heavens, come down to earth/ and etch light on our darkest chasms/ for this unbearable silence becomes/ a howl, a sobbing, and words." That is how the haunting, evocative narration of Book 11 of Homer's “Odyssey” by Giannis Aggelakas begins and ends with the comforting line: "For that was my concern/ your nights to be filled with light/ what else was there for me to expect?”

The original text of the sonotropic hybrid performance at the Onassis Stegi becomes the new publication of the Onassis Foundation, available at the physical store of Onassis Stegi and selected bookstores.