elysian: June 2016

elysian

A few years ago, "Golfo" the well-known to all Greeks bucolic idyll, would be played for only one night, at the ancient theater of Epidaurus on August 16. I couldn’t miss it! The play, not unfairly, enchanted during the winter season the Athenian audience of National theatre. The direction of Karathanos took us to a dark “black” dream in the mountains of Helmos while the natural environment of Epidaurus provided the most appropriate scenery. I have never been to that place before, so I had a perfect chance to learn about it.

Located on the fertile Argolid plain of the east Peloponnese in Greece and blessed with a mild climate and mineral springs, Epidaurus is the most famous ancient theatre in Greece. Designed by Polykleitos the Younger - according to Pausanias - in the 4th century BC, the theatre of Epidauros is remarkably well preserved because it was buried in antiquity and remained untouched until it was uncovered in the late 19th century. Built of limestone, it seats up to 14,000 people.

The theatre is best known for its symmetry, beauty, and amazing acoustics. Due to its incomparable acoustics the actors can be perfectly heard by all spectators, as you can even hear the sound of a pin dropping from the highest seat! This is the result of its advanced design. The limestone filters out low- frequency sounds, such as the murmur of the crowd, and amplifies high- frequency sounds from the stage.

It is situated near the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, the most famous healing center of the classical world. The sanctury was used as a therapeutic and religious centre dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. Until the third century AD, it hosted music, song and drama competitions during the Asklepian games taking place every four years in spring, after the Isthmia celebration, as well as drama performances in the worship of Asklepios. Today it is an extended archeological site with interesting buildings. The theatre is surrounded by lush greenery, an integral part of the theatre itself!

Since 1938, when modern dramas started to be presented again in the theatre, it has hosted hundreds of plays. The first production to take place in the orchestra of the Epidaurus Ancient Theatre was in 1938: a Sophoclean tragedy “Electra”, which was performed without sets or lighting in the late afternoon sunshine… The famous Epidavria Festival, presently Athens Epidaurus Festival, begun in 1954 and it is held every summer, from June through August, with famous ancient dramas or modern plays. Over the years, the festival has hosted both Greek and foreign artists.

So, if you visit Greece during the summertime, you’ll have the opportunity to see a performance at a beautiful ancient amphitheater. Athens and Epidaurus Festival promises you magical summer nights, full of music, theatre and dance! It’s one of those places you need to visit while in Greece! Don't miss this marvelous experience!

Useful link:

http://greekfestival.gr/en/events