Plot
A patriotic drama based on Spyridon Zambelios' novel Cretan Weddings. We are in 14th century Crete, and the Venetians seek fourteen thousand men for galley service. Dissatisfied at this, the Cretan nobles decide to revolt under the leadership of Georgios Kantanoleon; a number of Venetian nobles from Chania, including Francesco Da Molino, participate in the movement.
Having failed to buy off Kantanoleon, the Venetians attempt to employ underhand means to deal with the uprising. In the meantime, back at Da Molino's castle, the Cretan and Venetian revolutionaries seal their alliance by intermarriage: Kantanoleon's son Petros is engaged to Da Molino's daughter Sophia.
The guests include men true to the Venetian duke. They trap the revolutionaries, who are surrounded by the Venetian army. Having removed all non-combatants to safety, they blow up the castle. Those who survive are condemned to death. The duke's wife sends Sophia into exile and grants a pardon to Petros, with whom she is in love. But he refuses the offer and the young couple commit suicide in the courthouse.
Writing history
Written in Athens in 1907, probably in parallel with Fasga.
Greek editions
- First published by D. G. Gounelas, "An introduction to Kazantzakis' three one-act plays. Mechri pote?, a drama in four acts", Nea Estia, vol. 102, Kazantzakis Issue, issue 1211 (Christmas 1977) 211-235
