On Thursday 3 July, the performance “If it’s evil, let it be exiled: spells and baskanies”, will  take place at the Faneromeni 25 art festival, which is an original, multidimensional artistic event that explores and highlights the phenomenon of baskanies in Cyprus, as they were traditionally practiced, but also as they are mutated and survive in modern society.

The music of the composer, poet and researcher of Cypriot tradition Adamos Katsantonis will be used with loops referring to the repetitions of the ceremonies, as well as with live performances on stage. Anastasia Vorka, lyric coloratura soprano and young tenor and dancer Thomas Daskalakis will create a magical and interesting atmosphere, giving form to the practices of the past.

The theme revolves around the need ofman -then and now- to protect himself from evil, to be healed, to be relieved, drawing on traditional folk practices, which are directly linked to the religious and cultural background of the place. The earthquakes, primarily oral, were repeated incantations or wishes, often

accompanied by physical movements or objects and addressed to the divine - Virgin Mary, Christ or Saints - for the purpose of healing, warding off the ‘evil eye’ or achieving luck and happiness.

Bask ania, respectively, was based on the belief that jealousy or envy could inadvertently cause harm and so people developed ways to neutralize or prevent this negative energy.

Traditional practices have become the subject of modern artistic exploration, highlighting the incessant human need for spiritual and physical healing, even though science and technology have evolved significantly in our day.

CONTRIBUTORS

Composer, poet and researcher of Cypriot tradition Adamos Katsantonis

Lyric coloratura soprano Anastasia Vorka

Young tenor and dancer Thomas Daskalakis

Duration: 75 minutes

Date: Thursday, 3 July 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Venue: Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, 86-90 Faneromenis Street, 1011 Nicosia

Free entrance

Doors open at 20:00

Events will take place with observation of all necessary protection measures for the health and safety of visitors and staff and are accessible to disabled groups.