Remain Human in Spite of Humanity

The Archaeological Site of Abdera, in Xanthi, hosts Remain Human in Spite of Humanity: Cantata for Actor, Song and Instrumental Ensemble, on 17 and 18 July 2026, as part of All of Greece, One Culture 2026.

This music performance paraphrases Athenian playwright Menander's line "How charming is a human being when he is truly human" as "How charming is a human being when he remains human while everyone around him has become beast or demon" – observing how, in conditions of extreme violence and brutality, the courage required for an act of solidarity, tenderness or self-sacrifice becomes an island of survival.

The performance's creative team – a vocalist, an actor and five musicians – weave together a dramaturgy of excerpts from Imre Kertész's novel Fatelessness and Anna Seghers' The Seventh Cross, alongside poems by Paul Celan.

Johann Sebastian Bach's music is also woven through the piece, as a symbol of musical humanism. His compositions span the full range of human feeling and speak constantly to our reach toward the transcendent. Hidden nuggets of humanity glimpsed through the authors' writing amid the chill of hatred, paired with Bach's music – pointing at once to earth and sky, to dance and to prayer – draw us closer to the human grace that Menander may have had in mind.

All of Greece, One Culture is the landmark initiative of Greece's Ministry of Culture, now in its seventh year, bringing performances to archaeological sites, monuments and museums across the country.

Source: Official Website – All of Greece, One Culture

Ticket Details

• The performance begins at 21:00 and lasts 75 minutes
• The event is offered free of charge by the Ministry of Culture
• Only the entrance fee to the archaeological site (€5) is payable
• Advance reservation is required

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**Please refer to the official website/organisers for possible changes to the times and dates of the event.**