French actress Fanny Ardant to perform Cassandre in Limassol

On October 2, 2026, the Cyprus International Theatre Festival will host the Cypriot premiere of the spoken opera "Cassandre" at the Pattihio Municipal Theatre in Limassol. The performance features renowned French actress Fanny Ardant, a César Award winner known for her collaborations with directors like François Truffaut, who will narrate the monodrama. The production, staged by director Hervé Loichemol, is based on Christa Wolf’s novel about the Trojan seer who envisions catastrophe but is cursed never to be believed. Musical accompaniment will be provided by 18 members of the Commandaria Orchestra, conducted by Jean Deroyer.

The production is a "Sprechoper" or spoken opera, where the Swiss composer Michael Jarrell’s score is integrated with the performer’s voice. While "Limassol Today" identifies the venue as the Pattihio Municipal Theatre, the "Cyprus Mail" reports the performance will take place at the Rialto Theatre. The event will be conducted in French with surtitles provided in Greek, Russian, and English to accommodate a diverse international audience. This performance marks Fanny Ardant's return to Cyprus after a nine-year hiatus. The project is being presented as a significant cultural addition to the local arts scene, showcasing a collaboration between Swiss musical composition and French theatrical talent.