The Visit is a tragicomic 1956 play by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt now being presented in Cyprus by the Cyprus Theatre Organisation. Translated to Greek and directed by Neophytos Taliotis, the play has been welcoming audiences in Nicosia since November and before it concludes on January 27, it travels to Limassol as well for a single show on January 20.

The play highlights the great contradictions of modern society, denouncing its decadence and depravity. It is an allegory about the defeat of morality in its battle with money and inevitably and is still relevant for today’s world.

In 1988 the play was first staged and now its local production brings together set designer Angelos Angeli, composer Michalis Christodoulides, and a brilliant cast of actors, with Annita Santorinaiou and Stavros Louras in the two main roles.

The story is set in a small town somewhere in Central Europe and focuses on the arrival of Claire Zachanassian, who is returning to her birthplace for the first time in 45 years, which causes quite a stir. The once prosperous place is now sinking into poverty and the townspeople of Güllen see the wealthy Claire as their only hope. She promises to offer them unlimited wealth on one condition: a member of the community must murder Alfred Ill, her former lover, who rejected her and abandoned her with a child. The offer forces an entire community to choose between morality and profit.

The Visit

Adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s 1956 play. Until January 27. THOK Stage, Nicosia. January 20. Pattihio Municipal Theatre, Limassol. 8pm. In Greek. www.thoc.org.cy, www.pattihio.com.cy