Theatro Tarot (Θέατρο Ταρώ) is an original artistic methodology conceived by Vassilis Sardelis. Since 2018, it has evolved into an autonomous dramaturgical tool which, although nourished by artistic practice, is not exclusively or solely defined by it. Through the connection of Tarot cards with theatrical texts, the central symbols and archetypal patterns of each work are brought to light, with the aim of creating a new stage narrative.
The method is founded on the premise that every work of art—and theatre in particular—is rooted in archetypal matrices and follows phases that resonate deeply with human experience. The Major Arcana of the Tarot offers an ordered sequence of characteristic figures, such as the Hanged Man, Death, the Devil, and Judgement. Their significance does not lie solely in the interpretation of each card in isolation but extends to their structural connections: their fundamental arrangement and the combinations they form with one another.
Through this process, the Tarot functions as a mechanism for activating new questions and, potentially, unconscious connections. Dramaturgical research is thus guided toward a final synthesis—an experience of wholeness—as symbolized by the card of The World.
Fortune Cookie
2006, 2008 – Theatro tis Anoixis
Two different production cycles were presented. The first one took place as part of a youth festival.
First Production – 2006
Conceived and Directed by: Vassilis Sardelis
Cast: Spyridoula Koumpouri, Alexandros Maratos, Sofia Paschou, Vassilis Sardelis, Thodoris Skyftoulis
Movement Direction: Phaedra Soutou
Set Design, Costumes & Audiovisual Design: Caesar Vrettos
Second Production – 2008
Conceived and Directed by: Vassilis Sardelis
Production: Play-full, 2008
Actor Training: Maria Baloutsou
Cast: Giannis Giannoulis, Spyridoula Koumpouri, Mary Lousi, Alexandros Maratos, Thomas Tsampanis
Artistic Collaboration: Caesar Vrettos
Lighting Design: Orestis Tatsis
Videography: Rena Tsangkaiou
Performance Video: Play-full Company – Fortune Cookie (original play) 2008
Labyrinthe
2009 – Argo Theatre
Conceived and Directed by: Vassilis Sardelis
Choreography: Jessica Henou
Cast: Natassa Gavala, Xeni Karakatsani, Katerina Kleitsioti, Vassilis Leivaditis, Vassilis Chatzidimitrakis, Federico Nieto El’ Gazi
Music Direction & Live Performance: Thaleia Ioannidou
Video Installation & Live Performance: Kinomatik
Set Design: Caesar Vrettos & Sofia Andreadi
Lighting Design: Christina Kamma
Costume Design: Elena Valtatzi
Production: Play-full, 2009
Poster Design: Bend
Performance Videos: Play-full Company, Labyrinthe (original play) , Play-full Company, Labyrinthe (original play)_Part II , Play-full Company, Labyrinthe (original play)_Part III
2012
Artistic collaboration with Katerina Karadima and the Mikró Theatro Agriniou in the production:
Dracula: A Comedy That Bites
- Since 2017, engaged in both practical and theoretical study of the Tarot of Marseille (Camoin–Jodorowsky), while also exploring other tarot decks and traditions (Dalí, Daniel Martin Diaz, Austin Osman Spare, among others).
- Attended the presentation of the Black Power Tarot by King Khan at the Le Guess Who? Festival, Utrecht (2017).
- Participated in the experiential workshop Jodorowsky’s Psychomagic, led by Arturo Ponce and Lydia Isabel de Leon.
– Active musician and sound designer (2011–present).
– Collaborations with artists including:
Iris Foustéri – (A)UTOPIA 2.2 — A(U)TOPIA 2.2 O.S.T. | Rendeece (2022)
Kostas Kosnetzof – Amfithymia — Kosnetzof v Rendeece – Amfithymia (Piano Improv on Field Recordings) | Rendeece
KROUTSEF – Project Faust (Soundtrope Festival, Ioannina, 2019 & Underflow Athens, Athens, 2020)
Glitch_A – Vamvakaris Project (Markos Café, Preveza, 2018 & Chimaeres, Athens, 2019)
Selected Works
Project Faust — Project Faust I | Rendeece
Endgame — Endgame | Rendeece
Odeipus —
Odeipus I – Would You Rule a Wrecked Kingdom | Rendeece
Odeipus II – The Blind Priest | Rendeece
Odeipus III – A Sneaking Murderer | Rendeece
Odeipus IV – Jocasta | Rendeece
Participation in compilations released by the British label Sombre Soniks.
Member of The Krell Society, a collective of musicians dedicated to creating electronic music using analog machines and synthesizers.
