Zorba

 

Zorba the Greek

"Zorba the Greek" (1964) is a classic film based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. 

Set in Crete, the movie celebrates passionate living embodied by the effervescent Alexis Zorba, played by sublime Anthony Quinn. His character is the very heart of the film, earthy, passionate, and full of life. 

Zorba seizes life by the throat, embracing every moment with gusto. He lives by the motto, “Life is trouble. Only death is not. To be alive is to undo your belt and look for trouble.”

By contrast, English-Greek writer Basil, showing an intellectual detachment, arrives in Crete to reopen a lignite mine he inherited, choosing a more measured, cerebral and cautious approach to life.

Zorba, hired as his foreman, is a jolt to Basil's straitjacket world because Zorba lives instinctively—dancing, drinking, and loving without inhibition. 

Their evolving friendship is the central theme of the film’s story.

One of cinema’s most iconic scenes is when Zorba teaches Basil to dance on the beach [Click here to see the clip]. It’s a symbolic moment where Basil finally lets go of his inhibitions and joins Zorba in celebrating life, no matter how messy or unpredictable.

Inspiration for this artwork

Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki) has now become synonymous with Greek culture and is an enduring legacy of the film, Zorba the Greek

Perchance, I came across classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta playing the theme song, “Sirtaki, Zorba’s Dance” [Click here to listen], which immediately brought back fond memories of the movie, inspiring me to create this original artwork.

Click here for an orchestral arrangement of Sirtaki originally composed by Mikis Theodorakis,  featuring the Bouzouki (long-necked string instrument, similar to a mandolin), Baglamas (smaller, higher-pitched cousin of the bouzouki) and Toubeleki (Goblet Drum) that provides the rhythmic "dum–tek" foundation in Greek dance music.