by Marion Smith
The High Commission of Cyprus in Pretoria hosted a special cultural performance at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria to commemorate the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, bringing together ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the Cypriot diaspora, and friends of Cyprus for an evening celebrating art, culture, and shared European values.
The event featured the acclaimed production The King of the Upside-Down World, a multidisciplinary stage performance that combines poetry, music, and theatrical expression. The performance forms part of the programme “Events at Embassies of the Republic of Cyprus Abroad”, organised within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
The production presents a selection of poems by renowned Cypriot poet Giorgos Kalozois, brought to life through original compositions by Maria Zannetou and dramaturgy by Irini Andreou. Accompanied by distinguished performers Pavlina Konstantopoulou, voice, and Rami Sarieddine, piano, the 70-minute performance offered audiences a deeply moving artistic experience.
Through Kalozois’ evocative poetry, the work explores some of humanity’s most profound experiences, including the search for identity, the meaning of homeland, memory, trauma, and the enduring power of hope and resilience. The poet’s words transcend geographical boundaries, speaking to universal themes of marginalisation, freedom, belonging, and self-realisation in an increasingly complex world.
The musical interpretation of the poems served as a vivid narrative medium, seamlessly blending contemporary artistic expression with Cyprus’ rich cultural and historical heritage. The interplay between spoken word, music, and theatrical action created a timeless and emotionally resonant performance that captivated the audience throughout the evening.
Guests attending the event reflected the strong diplomatic and cultural ties Cyprus maintains with South Africa and the wider international community. The presence of ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Cypriot community, and supporters of Cyprus underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering dialogue, understanding, and people-to-people connections.
As Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, events such as The King of the Upside-Down World highlight the country’s commitment to promoting culture as a bridge between nations and communities. The Pretoria performance served not only as a celebration of Cypriot artistic excellence but also as an opportunity to share the values of creativity, resilience, and human connection that lie at the heart of both Cypriot culture and the European project.
The evening concluded with warm appreciation from attendees, who praised the production for its artistic depth and its powerful exploration of themes that resonate across cultures and generations.
