Kafka's 'Report to an Academy' Arrives at the 'Theater of the NO' Sept. 3-11

Athens’ premier English-speaking venue, THEATRE OF THE NO, is set to host a compelling adaptation of Franz Kafka’s short story “Report to an Academy” for only four perfromances on September 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th. Directed by the acclaimed German theater director,Gabriele Jakobi, the play marks the 100th anniversary of Kafka’s death and features a powerful solo performance by Robert McNamara, a renowned actor-director from Washington, DC.

Reminiscent of Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” this production explores the transformation of an animal into a man. The narrative follows “Red Peter,” an intelligent ape captured in West Africa who, in order to survive, learns to mimic human behavior and eventually narrates his tale to a scientific academy. The performance raises profound questions about free will, animal rights, and the ethics of vegetarianism.

Robert McNamara plays Red Peter, a self-reformed ape who’s become human in order to survive.

Following its debut to sold-out performances at the 2014 Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC and its success at festivals in Prague and Berlin, “Report to an Academy” promises to be a highlight of Athens’ cultural calendar.

Each performance will be followed by an open discussion with McNamara, offering an opportunity for deeper engagement with Kafka’s work.