KCL Greek Play 2026
The Clouds

KCL Greek Play 2026

KCL Greek Play 2026 – THE CLOUDS by Aristophanes, adapted by Giulia Balsamo performing at Greenwood Theatre 3-5 March.

We are thrilled to announce that the KCL Greek Play for Spring 2026 will be Aristophanes’ The Clouds, in a new version by Giulia Balsamo

Born in Sicily and raised between Palermo and Turin, Giulia has been passionate about writing, singing, and acting from an early age. In 2013 she moved to London to study film, beginning a career in the industry as an Assistant Director. After several years behind the camera, she returned to her first love, the stage, launching her music project Straddling Lanes and reigniting her passion for theatre through her performance in KCL’s Greek Play Elektra: A Throne Restored.

Giulia’s gives some thoughts on her interpretation of Aristophanes’ comedy:

Does being righteous equate to being right? Can democracy endure in a post-truth world? This reinterpretation of Aristophanes’ The Clouds explores the dangers of idealism and intellectualism in their emptiest forms. In today’s political climate, rife with propaganda and violence, it feels more urgent than ever to reflect on the strategies we choose and the sacrifices we are willing to make in the pursuit of a better world.

Of her imminent role Giulia says

I am thrilled to be directing this year’s KCL Greek Play, and eager to begin this journey.

We are equally excited to be working with you Giulia and can’t wait to get started!

Previous KCL Greek Plays where we’ve acted as Executive Directors:

KCL Greek Play 2025 – ELEKTRA – A THRONE RESTORED

We are delighted to announce that our collaboration with Kings College London’s Greek Play continues into its third successive year and we shall be acting as Executive Directors once again. The KCL Greek Play for 2025 will be Elektra – A Throne Restored conceived by Ines Neacsa who is also lead writer. We interviewed prospective writers to take on this role and asked each of them to pitch their ideas and this is what Ines came up with:

Elektra – A Throne Restored 

Have you ever had to make a choice in life which wasn’t seen as “nice” by others but was necessary to make? Now imagine you have the fate of an entire kingdom depending on that one choice.

Elektra: A Throne Restored —a powerful story of emancipation, political division, and generational conflict. At its heart is Elektra, a woman driven to reclaim the throne of Mycenae and restore royal legitimacy after her father’s death, even if it means betraying those she loves.

This play is more than just a story, it’s a mirror to our current sociopolitical climate. In a society riddled with division, few are willing to open the dialogue to understand opposing perspectives. And so, through its Ancient Greek setting, dual narrators embodying opposing ideologies, and modern themes, the play challenges diverse audiences to think critically about power, morality, and the cost of change and to hopefully open a dialogue amongst them.

The choice is yours: will you join us to witness Elektra’s journey and decide for yourself what is right, necessary, or just? Don’t miss this thought-provoking and timeless production.

We are also delighted to announce that we have a full collaborative team assembled, to be announced in the New Year!

Meanwhile here’s a few worlds from our Director, Ines:

Hello! I’m Ines Neacsa, a third-year English with Film Studies BA student at King’s College London. After previously participating in the Greek Play as an actor, I’m thrilled to step into a new role this year as Director and main writer for Elektra – A Throne Restored.

Greek mythology has always been a passion of mine. Over the years, I’ve worked on personal projects exploring various myths—even creating some of my own! It’s my way of engaging with the world and sharing my enthusiasm with others.

Being able to stage one of my favourite Greek myths is an incredible opportunity, and I hope this production inspires others to pursue their creative visions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. If this “weird kid” can do it, so can you!

Elektra – A Throne Restored will run at Greenwood Theatre, London (55 Weston Street, SE1 3RA) from 10 – 12 June.

AUDITIONS for the KCL Greek Play took place on 12th February and and we are now fully cast.

Further announcements about the wider Creative Team will be available shortly.

Tickets for the show will be on sale shortly, so WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Lysistrata 2024, lead writer and director – Ellie Scott-Smith

Iphigenia 2023, lead writer and director – Amalia Costa