The Ant and the Cicada

Synopsis

A dilapidated mansion in rural Greece, post-2009 financial crisis.

Two sisters, Thaleia and Eirini, are locked in a fierce struggle over the future of their inherited home. Thaleia, an artist, sees the mansion as a sanctuary for creativity, while Eirini, a pragmatist burdened by debt, considers selling it to a mysterious investor. As their conflict unfolds, Timberlake Wertenbaker‘s The Ant and the Cicada delves into the economic and cultural decay of contemporary Greece, reflecting on broader European crises. The mansion, a symbol of Greece’s artistic and democratic heritage, stands at the centre of this poignant drama.

Wertenbaker masterfully explores themes of heritage, economics, and identity through the sisters’ clashing perspectives. The play’s tone oscillates between dark comedy and tragedy, capturing the absurdity and sorrow of a nation in turmoil. Through sharp dialogue and compelling character dynamics, the play questions the values we hold and the sacrifices we are willing to make for survival.