MITOS - Center of Performing Arts was established in 2007 and it is located at the Old Vinegar Factory in the historic centre of Limassol. MITOS proposes a dynamic and eclectic programme designed in accordance with the standards of an organization that is active both in Cyprus and internationally, present in the fields of performance, theatre and performing arts, running under the artistic direction of Elena Agathokleous. MITOS maintains its own network of partners from the entire spectrum of the arts, science, technology and the community. Every year, it designs an annual programme of events undertaking their production, research, creation and presentation.

 

The performances produced by MITOS are mainly staged off-theatre: in terms of text, practice and the use of space. MITOS rather defines the conditions under which questions are being asked, sparking a dialogue with the audience. Within the same spirit, MITOS continues the research on the ancient Greek tragedy, while producing a series of performances with a contemporary reading. Recently, MITOS launched the production of digital performance projects.

 

At the same time, MITOS designs and implements curated programmes where Art is the main social tool. It develops a methodology on the role of the Arts in transforming conflicts, while also organising actions that encourage the dialogue for reclaiming public space. MITOS showcases and enhances informal forms of culture while developing ways and methods of access to culture in an attempt to approach a wider audience and, especially, those communities that are often being marginalized. Moreover, it hosts and implements events and actions that are connected to the local community.

 

MITOS supports the platform of performing arts in Cyprus, encouraging artistic creation, cultural expression, any form of empowerment and mobility through the residency programme theYard.Residency, as well as through European programmes, the use of the Old Vinegar Factory as an Open Stage, co-productions etc.

 

The organisation develops an educational action through workshops and seminars for students or professionals working in the field of performing arts, both in Cyprus and abroad. It also hosts lipasma, an educational programme taking place at the Old Vinegar Factory, addressed to children, teenagers and adults. Moreover, it introduces performance art in primary and secondary education on a wide range of topics such as diversity, tolerance, ancient drama etc.

 

MITOS participates in the public sphere contributing to the dialogue on matters of urgency: contemporary performance practices and methodology, the need for cultural policy, the role and sustainability of the arts. It also participates in conferences and symposia in Cyprus and internationally.

 

To this date, the work of MITOS has received multiple awards and distinctions, while it was also selected to represent Cyprus in drama festivals and other programmes internationally. In 2020-2021, the Buffer Fringe Festival commissioned MITOS in collaboration with Nurtane Karagil and Famagusta New Museum to implement the project 95 Stops:Mapping the Space Between Us. It also participated in the official programme of the European Capital of Culture Pafos 2017 in collaboration with ECC Wrocław 2016 for the 2-year project Hero-isms (2016-17). As a partner, MITOS implemented the European Programme Culture 2007-2013 titled Songs of My Neighbours, which was considered as a Success Project (2013-2015), as well as ANOMVRIA project in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2012. Throughout the years, MITOS has built a strong record of book publications, documentaries, radio shows, festivals (Mikro ancient drama festival, Strange Screen, kypros).

 

MITOS is a non-profit organisation aspiring to develop a sustainable cultural development policy. It is partly funded by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, as well as by other sponsors or co-producers for ad hoc projects.