I have always admired Cyprus for its wealth of cultural and artistic talent. Its artistic capabilities flow from its Greek cultural drama heritage, which is, of course, well documented and beyond dispute.
Having taught English literature to young Cypriots, I’ve become well aware of Cypriots’ natural flair for creativity; they have little difficulty in understanding and appreciating authors’ and dramatists’ artistic intentions.
But when I first came to Cyprus to live, Cypriots’ inherent love of all things cultural seemed stifled, almost hidden. Governments of the day did not view the country’s cultural arts as a priority in modern-day society. It felt as if Greece was the best at showcasing its hereditary cultural prowess, but Cyprus felt inferior. So, cinemas and theatres did not properly exist. There was one cinema in each of the four main cities, but they were very dark, what I call “holes in the wall” places. I remember going to see my first cinema film in Limassol, at the Hollywood Theatre. It was very dark inside, and so small! Those who couldn’t find a seat sat on the side steps in the theatre. There were none of the traditional sweets, or drinks – only cigarettes were sold!
A woman sat in the Kourion Amphitheatre
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Modern European-style cinemas and theatres
Fast forward nearly 30 years and we find that all that has now changed. I believe it changed because Cyprus’s up-and-coming musicians and older music singers expressed the need for new modern theatres where they could showcase their talent. Until then, the only modern venue where you see a Cypriot singer was the Monte Capulto venue, near Limassol.
Nicosia, despite being Cyprus’s capital city, did not have a prestigious venue. But now theatres and cinemas are modelled on those of Europe and the UK, with cinemas being part of cinema chains, and so now they are much more upmarket, with all the latest facilities.
You will find them in all four towns – Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia – and the productions are in English and Greek. And Cyprus’s theatres are not only indoors. The most famous outdoor theatre, Kurion Amphitheatre, retains all its former glory, with its stone seats set in the earth, sloping down to the stage below. It’s most famous for its excellent Shakespeare productions, but you can also go there to see modern drama and visiting singers from Greece, the UK and other parts of Europe.
Ancient amphitheater in Kourion, Cyprus
The setting in the balmy summer night is wonderful but a good tip is to take a cushion with you to sit on, since the hard original flat stones can be a little uncomfortable! Prices for cinema and theatre tickets are the same, about 10 euros.
There has also been a steady growth in adult drama classes. You can find these classes in the music, dance and art institutions where afternoon lessons in these subjects are given to Cypriot children of all ages.
Qualified drama teachers provide the input in English, and, from experience, I can say that this is a great way to express yourself through acting. You will certainly make some great friends while living in Cyprus through this. Prices for adult drama lessons are roughly about 70 euros per month.
An aerial view of Limassol Marina
The Cyprus music scene
If, like me, you are a lover of good, “proper” live music, you may be wondering if this is available when you come to live in Cyprus. The answer to this is, yes it is. But it did take a while to get here. No European, US or UK singers included Cyprus in their European tours at one time. It’s something I missed from being back home in the UK. Ayia Napa was the place for partygoers’ music, raves, and the like, and actually, this is still the case. There are, of course, plenty of traditional nightclubs where you can go for the latest music hits in any of the four towns.
There have never been any music festivals like Glastonbury here, unfortunately, probably because there is very little adequate land space in southern Cyprus. But I must say in passing that there are plenty of beer festivals, which some say, make up for this!
Not one for music festivals, Cyprus hosts various other carnivals each year
It was the beer company, Carlsberg, manufacturing ts beer here in Cyprus that started to make contact with European singers and arranged for them to perform here. The first of these that I remember was Bryan Ferry who performed in Limassol at our football stadium. It was fantastic. Shortly after, Bryan Adams came to perform in Nicosia, and Bruce Springsteen intended to perform here, but the Covid pandemic prevented it. These were only one-night performances – the singers performed longer in Greece and then hopped over to Cyprus – but Celine Dion who was due to perform in Limassol and Nicosia in 2020 started to extend the schedule to two nights. The latest news is that Ed Sheeran is coming to perform in Larnaca for two nights at the brand-new Larnaca Marina – a beautiful setting – in September 2024. Read more here.
Opera in Paphos
One last word – if you like opera, the place to see excellent live opera is Paphos, at Paphos Castle on the harbour. Operatic performances are given outdoors in the summer by Cypriot, Greek and European performers, and my British friends tell me these performances are particularly good.
You may also find you acquire a taste for Greek and Cypriot live music when you live here, like I did. Think Anna Vishi who has also had so much success abroad. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the Greek words – the music is modern and rhythmic, in a classical way, and it will transport you to another world as it showcases the particularly brilliant Greek and Cypriot singing and musical talent.
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