Akylas, representing Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, successfully completed his first rehearsal on the Stadthalle stage in Vienna yesterday, Saturday, May 2. The Greek entrant delivered an energetic performance of his song ‘Ferto’, marking a significant step in his journey to the competition.
The Greek delegation took to the stage of the Wiener Stadthalle for their initial run-through, showcasing Akylas’s entry ‘Ferto’. The performance, under the creative direction of the esteemed Fokas Evangelinos, captivated onlookers with its unique concept and dynamic execution.
Reports from the rehearsal indicate a captivating visual spectacle, drawing inspiration from a video game theme. Akylas appeared in a stylish orange and black ensemble, complete with furry boots and a distinctive kitty-kat hat, aligning with the song’s energetic and ambitious spirit.
The staging, crafted by Evangelinos – who has a long history of iconic Eurovision performances, including Greece’s 2005 victory with ‘My Number One’ – perfectly complemented the song’s themes of ambition, overconsumption, and a heartfelt desire to provide for his mother. The performance also featured an emotional moment where Akylas addressed his mother, adding a personal touch to the high-octane act.
‘Ferto’, co-written by Akylas, Orfeas Nonis, Theofilos Pouzbouris, and Thomas Papathanasis, is a powerful and urgent demand for success and luxury, featuring lyrics in Greek, Spanish, French, and English. The also includes Konstantinos Makrypidis, Michalis Michailidis, Parthena Chorozidou, and Christos Nikolaou.
ERT’s official press release reads:
Akylas took to the stage of the Stadthalle in Vienna for the first time for the first rehearsal of the Greek delegation at Eurovision, today, Saturday, May 2, 2026. The representative of Greece performed “Ferto” with his characteristic energy, in a presentation signed by creative director Fokas Evangelinos .
Akylas, on the Eurovision stage, in the context of a video game and in a humorous and dynamic way , meets four characters (Parthena Chorozidou, Christos Nikolaou, Michalis Michailidis, Konstantinos Makripidis). Then, as a transgression, the representative of Greece, coming out of character, removes his glasses and addresses his mother at an intensely emotional point in the presentation.
Greece’s first rehearsal was held successfully, with the result meeting the mission’s expectations .
The creative team of the stage appearance is composed of: Christos Maganas (video artist), Yannis Mourikis (set designer), George Tellos (light designer), Philippos Missas (costume designer for Akyla) and George Segredakis (costume designer for the four characters).
