3 July 2009 | Starting today, the ancient amphitheatre of Epidaurus begins its summer programme of theatre performances every weekend, to the delight of Greeks and foreign visitors.


Although many of the plays are either in Greek or in a foreign language with Greek subtitles, every year thousands of foreigners attend performances in the amphitheatre known for its exceptional acoustics.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is situated within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, in the Argolis prefecture of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens.

Built in the fourth century BC by Polykleitos the Younger, the venue’s original 34 rows were extended by another 21 rows in Roman times. Now it sits 15,000 people, which makes last-minute purchasing of tickets possible.

Starting today until August 22, nearly a dozen plays will be performed at the Epidaurus amphitheatre every weekend. Tonight’s opening performance is The Clouds by Aristophanes, presented by the Cyprus Theater Organization.

In the coming weeks, the ancients will be represented with new production of Euripides’ Trojan Woman and Alcestis, Aeschylus’ Persians and Aristophanes’ Birds. Other highlights include a Sam Mendes-directed Winter’s Tale, Racine’s Phedre, starring Helen Mirren, and Amos Gitai’s The War of the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness, based on Flavius Josephus’ The Jewish War.

Some weekends, a parallel programme at the nearby the Little Epidaurus Theater, which seats around 5,000 spectators, is also planned.

For directions on how to get there, the full programme of performances for July and August and information on purchasing tickets, visit www.greekfestival.gr.

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