EPIC ECONOMICS
What would you protest about today?
A play written and performed by Dimis Michaelides
Following a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026, this play comes to Athens for one performance only at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation.
Epic Economics is a theatrical work based on the words of distinguished economists from the 18th century to today, highlighting their contributions and contradictions. The play is accompanied by an original soundscape.
This irreverent play puts the economists who shaped our thinking on trial — with humour, mischief and a damn good time along the way. The performer peppers the play with his own real-life stories, wicked humour, songs and an invitation to engage with the question:
WHAT WOULD YOU PROTEST ABOUT TODAY?
How does your breakfast get to your table? Why might you own an imported car? Who creates value? Why do we have recessions? Capitalism: savage or tame version? How do we justify inequalities? Why did students occupy the London School of Economics in 1977? What was so special about a World Bank loan to Colombia in 1987? Are economists rational? Why do they sideline women?
Most audiences love this show, though economists may leave feeling a little less smug.
After the performance and a short break there will be a discussion with the audience on the economic and theatrical aspects of the play. Facilitated by Dr Aristeidis Samitas, Vice Rector of Finance, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and with the participation of Dimitris Yatzouzakis, Writer – Director, Dimis Michaelides and Elias Vasnic.
Duration: 1 hour plus discussion/Q&A
Written and performed by Dimis Michaelides
Direction, Dramaturgy and Lighting Design: Lia Haraki
Producer, Sound Design and Music: Elias Vasnic
Photography: Boyana Loizou
Graphic design: Despina Kannaourou
Creative Team
Lia Haraki
Director/dramaturgy/light design
Lia Haraki is one of Cyprus’s leading directors and performance artists. She brings extensive experience in physical theatre, choreography, devised performance and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Her work has been presented at major European festivals and venues including the Athens Festival, Bozar Brussels and the Royal Festival Hall in London, and she represented Cyprus at the 2013 Venice Biennale, receiving a special mention for the Cyprus and Lithuanian Pavilion. She is a two-time winner of the Cyprus Dance Platform choreography award and was twice named Creator of the Year at the Madame Figaro Awards (2007, 2019).
Elias Vasnic
Producer/composer
Elias is a Glasgow-based musician and creative technologist. In 2023 he produced a theatrical magic show It’s Magic, but is it Art?, staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Dimis Michaelides
Writer/performer
Dimis is a veteran of the London School of Economics, the World Bank, the corporate C-suite, and business consulting. His career has taken him from the world of international development to the boardrooms of multinational corporations—giving him a front-row seat to the machinery of global economics. Dimis also loves music and magic. In 2023 he wrote and performed a theatrical magic show It’s Magic, but is it Art? staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Venue: Michael Cacoyannis Foundation (Cinema Hall)
206, Piraeus St, Tavros, Athens
Date & time:
Friday 4 December 2026 at 20:30
Performance duration one hour – in English with a splash of Greek
Tickets: EUR 15 (EUR 12 for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities)
Website & more reviews and pictures: https://epic-economics.dimis.org/
Press & Reviews
“This is a powerful, humorous and charismatic production. Do go!” British Theatre Guide
“Making economics and political engagement not only interesting, but also funny, is no mean feat but Michaelides manages it with charm, ensuring that not only are we entertained but also educated.” Edinburgh Guide
“Excellent. A highly entertaining and important whistlestop tour through centuries of economic thought.” Everything Theatre
“Michaelides certainly proves economics doesn’t have to be dull.” The Scotsman
“Quintessentially quirky. The concept of a useful economist is surely an oxymoron. Very good show.” Fringe Review
