During the Carnival festivities, various events happen which still bear the island’s Venetian heritage: popular theatre (“Omilies”) and other activities. All events are under the auspices of the Municipal Enterprise of Cultural Growth Zakynthos (pease see: www.zakynthos.org.gr).

“Omilies” in particular, are a peculiar, popular theatre developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced by the Cretan Theatre and the Comedia dell'arte. The ones developed in Zakynthos slowly got rid of the Cretan influence and created a distinct theatre. Groups (in Greek: Omiloi) of Zakynthians continue to produce adaptations of Cretan plays, along with plays of traditional and current Zakynthian theatre. Exclusively actors participate in the “Omilies”, playing also the feminine roles with the use of masks. The text is an iambic verse of fifteen syllables recited with distinct accent. Popular groups from the city, and mainly from the villages, continue to this day the production of “Omilies”, with verses that make a mockery of local affairs or events from the daily life of Zakynthos.

4^th INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF POPULAR AND MEDIEVAL THEATRE

“Omilies” in the old times and today

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