I Want to See the Pope!

About

This Greek National Opera Alternative Stage production of Theophrastos Sakellaridis's 1920 operetta was presented as a two-performance Thessaloniki engagement in the 2025/26 season and formed part of the 60th Dimitria Festival. Natasha Triantafylli directed, with the Thessaloniki City Symphony Orchestra. Elena Triantafyllopoulou provided dramaturgy and adaptation; Yannis Belonis restored the score and adapted it for chamber ensemble; Tina Tzoka designed the set and costumes; Dimitra Mitropoulou created the movement; and Christos Tziogkas designed the lighting. The production satirizes hypocrisy, exaggeration, exhibitionism and the uncritical idealization of social institutions. The Pope is never shown and functions as an unseen protagonist. Nicolas Vassiliou conducted and also appeared as the Sergeant.