The iconic work of romantic literature by Victor Hugo
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame"
comes to life at the Theatron of the «Hellenic Cosmos» Cultural Centre
in a theatrical adaptation and direction by Konstantina Nikolaidi
with a cast of 20 exceptional actors
The new production of the Foundation of the Hellenic World
The Foundation of the Hellenic World, with a tradition in grand productions based on the great works of world literature, presents for the 2025-2026 theatrical season the classic novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", at the Theatron of the «Hellenic Cosmos» Cultural Centre. Following the huge success of "Les Misérables" for two consecutive years, Konstantina Nikolaidi undertakes the direction of another popular masterpiece by the great French author.
In medieval Paris, an adventurous story unfolds with the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral as the center of action. Central characters include Quasimodo, the deformed but kind-hearted bell-ringer of the Notre Dame who lives isolated high in the bell tower with only the gargoyles of the church as companions; the gypsy Esmeralda, who enchants with her beauty, touches hearts with the purity of her soul, and always has her beloved goat by her side; and the dark archdeacon Frollo, who, driven by his passion for Esmeralda, strays from the path of God and becomes dangerous. Alongside them, the persecuted gypsies of Paris with their leader, the romantic poet and philosopher Gringoire, Captain Phoebus and his guards, the kind priest of the church, a tragic and mysterious woman, and of course the citizens of Paris. All live in a harsh yet deeply romantic world where injustice and betrayal stand against justice and morality. In a punishing society that does not accept the different, love becomes the strongest refuge, serving as a source of inspiration and hope.
Beyond the story, the novel – first published in 1831 – is an ode to Architecture. “This will kill that,” Hugo says in his work, meaning that printing – the book – will kill the building, accurately predicting the decline of architectural art. We are at the dawn of the printing press, where writing becomes the new medium of communication, replacing temples like Notre Dame, which for centuries were mediums of expression, storage, and transmission of knowledge, history, faith, and values.
A few words about the author of the work:
Victor Hugo was born in 1802 in Besançon, France. By the age of thirteen, he had already discovered his literary inclination, and success and fame soon followed. Victor Hugo was the greatest French author and one of the most prominent representatives of French romanticism. He engaged in poetry, literature, playwriting, visual arts, and politics, while also being one of the boldest human rights activists of his time.
Note from the director, Konstantina Nikolaidi:
I’m thrilled that after "Les Misérables" I’m working on yet another magnificent work by Victor Hugo. Even more so because I’m reuniting with the same collaborators (actors and contributors) on the same stage.
And yes, we’re back in Paris! This time, though, a bit earlier, in the late Middle Ages. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," this emblematic work that inspired, among others, many directors, poets, musicians, architects, painters, and sculptors, presents us with a harsh yet very tender – and in many places comical – story set against the backdrop of the majestic and mystical Notre Dame cathedral.
The characters risk their lives in an adventure that one reads breathlessly in the novel. Gypsies and Parisians, priests and gargoyles, guards, judges, and poets! Frollo, Esmeralda with her clever goat, the tragic figure of a mother, and of course the lonely bell-ringer of the church, Quasimodo! All these and many more characters were born from Hugo’s pen, which once again performs its magic in this novel.
My wish, through this new grand production of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, is to inspire and move audiences of all ages!
