Following the tremendous success of
“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo,
directed by Konstantina Nikolaidi,
the production returns for its 2nd season,
as audiences of all ages have embraced it
and cherished its timeless beauty,
and invites you to experience it from October
at “Theatron” at the The "Hellenic Cosmos" Cultural Centre!
The Foundation of the Hellenic World, renowned for its spectacular productions based on great works of world literature, presents during the 2026–2027 theatrical season the classic novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” at “Theatron” of the The "Hellenic Cosmos" Cultural Centre. Following the outstanding success of “Les Misérables,” which ran for two consecutive seasons, Konstantina Nikolaidi directs yet another beloved masterpiece by the great French author.
In medieval Paris, an adventurous story unfolds around the imposing Cathedral of Notre-Dame. At its heart are Quasimodo, the deformed yet kind-hearted bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, who lives in isolation high in the bell tower accompanied only by the church’s grotesque gargoyles; the gypsy Esmeralda, whose beauty captivates, whose pure soul inspires compassion, and whose beloved goat never leaves her side; and the dark Archdeacon Frollo, who, consumed by his passion for Esmeralda, strays from the path of God and becomes dangerous. Alongside them are the persecuted gypsies of Paris and their leader, the romantic poet and philosopher Gringoire, Captain Phoebus and his guards, the kind parish priest, a tragic and mysterious woman, and, of course, the citizens of Paris. Together they inhabit a harsh yet deeply romantic world where injustice and betrayal stand in opposition to justice and morality. In a judgmental society that rejects those who are different, love becomes the strongest refuge and a source of inspiration and hope.
“This will kill that.” This famous phrase comes from the novel. “This” refers to the printing press (the book), while “that” refers to the building (architecture), meaning that the book will replace the building. The novel was published in 1831, during the age of the invention of printing, when writing became the new medium of communication, gradually replacing cathedrals, which—like Notre-Dame—had served for centuries as places for expressing, preserving, and transmitting knowledge, history, faith, and values.
A few words about the author:
Victor Hugo was born in 1802 in Besançon, France, and died in 1885. By the age of thirteen, he had already realized his literary calling, and success and fame soon followed. Victor Hugo became France’s greatest writer and one of the foremost representatives of French Romanticism. He devoted himself to poetry, literature, drama, the visual arts, and politics, while also becoming one of the boldest advocates for human rights of his era. This year marks the 140th anniversary of his death.
Director’s Note – Konstantina Nikolaidi:
I am thrilled that, following “Les Misérables,” I have the opportunity to work on another magnificent work by Victor Hugo, especially since I am reunited with the same collaborators (actors and creative team) on the same stage.
And yes, we are returning to Paris! This time, however, a little earlier, at the end of the Middle Ages. “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” this iconic work that has inspired countless directors, poets, musicians, architects, painters, and sculptors, presents a story that is harsh yet deeply tender—and, in many moments, humorous—set against the majestic and mystical backdrop of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The characters, risking their very lives, become entangled in an adventure that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Gypsies and Parisians, priests and gargoyles, guards, judges, and poets! Frollo, Esmeralda with her remarkably clever goat, the tragic figure of a mother, and, of course, the lonely bell-ringer of the cathedral, Quasimodo! All these unforgettable characters were born from Hugo’s pen, which once again works its magic in this remarkable novel.
It is my hope that, through this new grand production by the Foundation of the Hellenic World, we will inspire and move audiences both young and old!
