Adonis and Aphrodite: Eternal love in Kourion

A dance-theater performance based on the Greek myth

The greatest love story of the ancient Greek mythology retold as a dance theater performance in Cyprus, is an event that should not be missed. The story of Adonis and Aphrodite is presented onstage in 21 performances by the Morphi Dance Co. from May to October 2008, at the ancient theatre of Kourion, 15 km west of the city of Limassol.

This is a spectacular show that tells the story of the two lovers, handsome Adonis and goddess Aphrodite or Venus. When Adonis was born, he was so stunningly beautiful that Aphrodite, enchanted by his beauty, took him from his mother, placed him in a box, and took him down to Hades so that Persephone could care for him. Adonis grew into a strikingly handsome young man, and Aphrodite eventually returned for him. Persephone, however, was loath to give him up, and wished Adonis would stay with her in the underworld. The two goddesses began such a quarrel that Zeus was forced to intercede. He decreed that Adonis should spend a third of the year with Aphrodite, a third of the year with Persephone, and a third of the year with whomever he wishes. Adonis, of course, chose Aphrodite.

Adonis began his year on the earth with Aphrodite. One of his greatest passions was hunting, and although Aphrodite was not naturally a hunter, she took up the sport just so she could be with Adonis. One day when Adonis was hunting alone, he came across an enormous wild boar, sent by god Ares, one of Aphrodite's lovers who was jealous of the love affair. The boar attacked and killed Adonis and Aphrodite rushed to his side, but she was too late to save him and could only mourn his death. Wherever Adonis' blood fell, Aphrodite caused anemones to grow in his memory. She vowed that on the anniversary of his death, every year there would be a festival held in his honor.

On his death, Adonis returned to the underworld, and Persephone was delighted to see him again. Eventually, Aphrodite realized that he was there, and rushed back to retrieve him. Again, she and Persephone bickered over who should be allowed to keep Adonis until Zeus intervenes. This time, he says that Adonis must spend six months with Aphrodite and six months with Persephone, the way it should have been in the first place.