Nikos Kazantzakis’ two most popular novels, adapted for BBC Radio Nikos Kazantzakis is widely regarded as the greatest Greek writer and philosopher of the 20th century. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 14 times, and his works have been translated into over 50 languages. Included here are dramatisations of his two most famous and influential novels, both of which were adapted as hit films and became cultural phenomena. Zorba the Greek – When writer Nikos meets the irrepressible Zorba, his life is transformed. A grizzled, gregarious Greek hero, Zorba embraces every experience and adventure that life has to offer. As he befriends the young, intellectual Nikos, he introduces him to the real meaning of a life well lived… A moving coming-of-age tale and a classic story of heart vs head, this atmospheric adaptation stars Robert Stephens, Michael Maloney and Mary Wimbush. The Last Temptation – Starring John Hurt and Dame Judi Dench, this 1973 archive drama is based on Kazantzakis' controversial 1955 novel, banned by the Vatican but hailed by critics as a masterpiece. A powerful, passionate account of the days preceding Christ’s death, it explores his humanity, his divinity and the roles of Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot in fulfilling his destiny. Zorba the Greek © Nikos Kazantzakis 1952, © Helen Kazantzakis 1958 The Last Temptation © 1961 Helen N Kazantzakis Production credits Written by Nikos Kazantzakis Zorba the Greek Zorba – Robert Stephens Nikos – Michael Maloney Hortense – Mary Wimbush Mavrondoni – Terry Molloy Mimiko – Dominic Taylor Anagnosti/Zacharias – Roger Hume Andonis – Peter Meakin Mad Woman/Mourner – Hedli Niklaus Villa Girl/Girl – Judy Bennett Zacharias – Roger Hume Father Demetrios – Paul Webster Widow – Marian Kemmer Dramatised by Nick McCarty Produced by Phillip Martin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12-19 December 1993 The Last Temptation Narrator – Gabriel Woolf Rabbi Simeon – John Ruddock Jesus – John Hurt Mary – Diana Bishop Centurion – Vernon Joyner Judas – David Buck Peter – Walter Hall Mary Magdalene – Judi Dench Barabbas – John Rowe Guestmaster – Timothy Bateson Saul – Peter Williams Melchizadek – Rolf Lefebvre Simon of Cyrene/Monk – William Sleigh Abbot – Clive Swift Andrew – Peter Craze Zebedee/Man in the crowd – Brian Haines The Baptist/Man in the crowd – Haydn Jones The Tempter – Heron Carvic Women in the crowd – Julie Hallam & Betty Huntley-Wright Man in the crowd – David Timson Translated and adapted by Andreas Stavrou and Hallam Tennyson Music specially composed by Elizabeth Poston and conducted by Peter Marchbank Additional singers: Veronica Lucas, Colin Appleton, Richard Bourne, Sandra Clark, Hilda Schroder, William Eedle, Fraser Kerr, David Sinclair Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 September 1973 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd