The Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s’ leading cultural organization and one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Europe; it has been taking place for 67 years. It has welcomed some of the greatest local and international music, dance and theater acts, attracting large audiences from all over the world. In addition to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus it is also held at five venues in the Peiraios 260 industrial venue.
Ancient Drama
Agamemnon by Aeschylous
22-23/07 21:00
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
A unique chance to experience the world premiere of Agamemnon by Aeschylous directed by Ulrich Rasche. In the first chapter of Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy, Agamemnon’s homecoming signals a new, bloody chapter of violence when he is murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra. One of the most exciting new German directors, Rasche, is noted for his unusual and impressive scenic language. His actors are often driven towards a deeply existential and “manic” style of performance, combining text, movement, and rhythm.
Antigone by Sophocles
05-06/08 21:00
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
In the aftermath of the Civil War in Thebes, the city’s champions celebrate their victory, trying to erase the days of insecurity and misery from memory. Young Antigone also “celebrates”: a celebration of disobedience, energized by an enthusiastic resistance against the political pragmatism of tyranny. Established Lithuanian director Cezaris Graužinis returns to the Athens Epidaurus Festival with a strikingly contemporary, timely adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy.
Helen by Euripides
12-13/08 21:00
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
Written in the aftermath of the Athenians’ crushing defeat at the Sicilian Expedition, Euripides’ Helen is notable both for its anti-war qualities and its focus on virtues such as the power of oath and intelligence, both personified in the titular heroine. Produced by the National Theater of Northern Greece and directed by Vassilis Papavassiliou.
Iphigenia in Aulis
19-20/08 21:00
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
In the tragedy Iphigenia in Aulis, the main heroine dies for the sake of a futile, destructive imperialist war. A decadent society sacrifices Iphigenia, who embodies an entire generation of young people. Themis Moumoulidis presents a performance reflecting on the past, present, and future. The production is pervaded by a complete musical work by composer Stavros Gasparatos, who is inspired by the form of Iphigenia, creating a parallel narrative in dialogue with the direction.
Ajax by Sophocles
29-30/07 21:00
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
Once an admired warrior on a par with Achilles, Ajax ends up becoming a deadly enemy of the Greek army leaders in the War of Troy and a pawn in the hands of gods, unable to grasp the spirit of a newly emerging era. A production of the National Theater of Greece, Ajax marks the directorial debut of well known Greek actor/director Argyris Xafis at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus.
Opera
Tosca by Giacomo Puccini
28-31/07 21:00
Odeon Herodes Atticus
Tosca: an opera diva, insanely jealous of her lover. Scarpia: a powerful man taking pleasure in the pain of his victims. Noble patriot Mario Cavaradossi is caught in the middle and led to his death: not on account of his ideas, but because he has won the heart of Tosca, the woman Scarpia lusts after. Audiences will enjoy a thrilling and highly dramatic version of Tosca, faithful to the composer’s spirit; the revival of the successful production of the Greek National Opera originally presented in 2012 under the helm of famous Argentinean director Hugo de Ana. Acclaimed chief conductor Philippe Auguin serves as conductor, with the participation of world-renowned opera singers.
