‘Breath of Light’ turns the Temple of Apollo into a stage

‘Breath of Light’ transforms the Temple of Apollo into a stage, offering a unique blend of ritual performance and immersive artistry. The production, set to take place at the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth on July 28 and 29, is part of the Greek Culture Ministry’s annual “All of Greece, One Culture” initiative. This year’s theme draws inspiration from a line by Athenian dramatist Menander, focusing on humanity and its connection to the past. The event marks the seventh consecutive year of the program, which has featured 94 performances across 95 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums in 12 regions of Greece, all accessible free of charge. The concept behind ‘Breath of Light’ began with a vision from choreographer Apostolia Papadamaki. According to her, the idea first appeared in a dream during the early stages of her proposal to the Greek Culture Ministry in January. In the dream, she envisioned women clad in ancient Greek peploi, traditional garments, moving gracefully through the Temple of Apollo. This vision, she explains, was not merely about choreography but represented a deeper synthesis of beauty: the beauty of the temple, the beauty of the feminine form, and the beauty of movement harmonizing with the sacred landscape. This dream led to the creation of ‘Breath of Light,’ a site-specific ritual performance designed to engage both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the ancient site. As part of the “Anamnesis” series, Papadamaki’s work continues a tradition rooted in ceremonial performance. Her earlier work, “From Darkness to Light,” performed at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius in 2018, similarly originated from a dream. She has come to view such visions as invitations rather than direct instructions, encouraging a deeper engagement with the environment. The title of the performance reflects this philosophy. Papadamaki describes breath as the invisible force that sustains life, while light reveals its presence. Together, they symbolize awakening, an essential element of the performance’s message. Each “Anamnesis” piece begins with listening, not choreography. Papadamaki spends time at each location in silence, observing the interplay of architecture, light, and natural elements. She notes the direction of the sun and moon, the movement of the wind, and how sound travels through the landscape. Rather than imposing movement upon a place, she allows the space to reveal its essence. Ancient Corinth presents a particularly complex challenge. The Temple of Apollo, a palimpsest of historical layers, from Classical to Byzantine, demands a nuanced approach. Papadamaki found herself contemplating a fundamental question: How can one create unity in a space marked by so much division? Her response centered on breath, a universal act that transcends religious, national, and ideological boundaries. She aims to foster a shared rhythm between performers and audience members, echoing the ancient Greek notion of “koinos topos”, common ground. The movement vocabulary developed for the performance is grounded in spirals and turns, drawing from the cyclical motion of the cosmos. These movements reflect the rhythms of planetary orbits, seasonal changes, and natural cycles. Once this foundational movement language was established, the composition of the piece followed, music and text emerging organically from the visual and emotional landscape. Papadamaki emphasizes that the music, composed by Tryfon Koutsourelis, does not merely accompany the dance but breathes alongside it, creating a seamless integration of sound and motion. Koutsourelis himself approaches the mythological associations of Apollo, not as fixed symbols, but as points of reflection. He views the myth as a starting point for exploring themes of harmony, light, and transformation. Through this collaborative process, the performance seeks to bridge the past and present, inviting audiences to experience the ancient sanctuary through movement, music, and the shifting light of sunset and the rising full moon.