In Leo Buscagli’s fairy tale, Freddy is a leaf on a green tree who gradually sees all the other leaves fall to the ground until it is his turn. A strong wind tears it off the branch and lowers it to the ground so that it becomes fertile material for the soil. It is an allegory for a useless part of ourselves that must go so that we can grow. Of course, we refuse to part with him, because we are afraid. This allegory has inspired a new production by the Greek Folklore Society for Expression and Culture (ELETEP) for five performances at the Michalis Kakoyannis Foundation Theater from tomorrow Friday to Sunday.

ELETEP, based in Keratsini in Piraeus, since 2009 has been quietly but persistently gathering people interested in traditional music and singing, taking care to preserve our heritage for almost 15 years. Thanks to the efforts of Giorgos Liaros, a young man, the soul of an operator who fell in love with this musical genre, a whole community of volunteers, dancers, researchers, and musicians was created. So far, he has made many interesting productions, which in turn have created a core loyal audience. At the same time, the company also participates in other programs such as the TV show Salt of the Earth by Lambros Liavas.

“The performance called The Last Leaf seeks to convey symbolism and a message through a leaf that refuses to be cut. In fact, he is afraid of death and is looking for the hidden power of completion, the ability to “fly”. This is the last one who manages to live in the heart of winter, and in all this agony, songs and dances accompany him in perfect harmony,” says Giorgos Liaros in the column. The active choreographer, who began his career with Dora Stratu, is innovating the production in an attempt to renew our understanding of the musical inventory of the past.

Like the first teacher Lefteris Drandakis – last year’s performance in honor of the latter called “The Teacher” was based on the ideas and research of Liaros – he does not just present dance forms, but makes sure that there is a concept that completes the meaning. In the 2012 play “Try the Dance” for example. songs of our folk culture are included, which are enriched with traditional Greek delicacies, goodies of nature, abundant wine and rich food. Tickets at the box office and on the Kakogianni Foundation website, as well as on ticketservices.gr.