The Silent Bell, written by Thanasis Triaridis, performed by RODEZ Group

Omnis oculus continent lacrimas sua: in an endless, desolate town, there is a peculiar church with a huge, even more peculiar, dark bell having the color of dried blood. No matter how hard you pull its tongue, no sound comes out anymore. It all began in 1191 AD and it still continues in the village of Evlogia, which had been known as ‘Paradise’ for centuries However, a genocide, for which the inhabitants are deemed guilty, has caused the ‘Mouth of God’ to cease. The outbreak of plague, which turns into an epidemic, is the only thing that forces them to seek a way to make amends and return to an era of prosperity. What is the meaning of Justice and Love?

Building on this question, RODEZ Group creates a performance with four actors continuously present on stage, using only their bodies and voices. The music is original, influenced by folk songs, dirges, and ecclesiastical hymns. “Our goal is to create a “handmade” performance that explores the core themes of the play: how one is affected when taking on power, how a society welcomes refugees, how citizens react to the outbreak of an epidemic, and ultimately how solidarity and empathy fit into these issues.” Although Thanasis Triaridis’ work was written in 2003, the issues it addresses remain relevant and continue to concern our society today.