As part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the ancient stage of Epidaurus comes alive with the works from great Greek playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes and more. It is a highlight of the festival to experience a midsummer production at this iconic venue.
The famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus was constructed in the late 4th century BC, around the time when Athens was flourishing in art, philosophy, science, and of course theatre, and can seat more than 12,000 spectators. It is regarded as the best-preserved theatre in Greece and famous for its exemplary acoustics.
A twilight performance by the National Theatre of Greece during the Epidaurus Festival. Photograph: Thomas Daskalakis/NTG
GETTING TO ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
Epidaurus theatre is located within the archaeological site of the sanctuary of Asklepios in Palea Epidaurus, in the region of Argolis and is a two hour drive from Athens. Why Athens offers private taxi’s, mini-vans and mini-bus transfers to and from the site on the evenings when performances are showing. You can find out more information about ways to get to ancient Epidaurus here.
CHILDREN AT EPIDAURUS ON THEATRE NIGHTS
It should be noted that children under the age of five are not permitted into the ancient theatre on performance evenings. However for families with children aged 5 to 12, parents have the option of purchasing a ticket for them to see the performance or to have their children take part in a creative workshop at the theatre for the duration of the performance.
The themes of the theatre, movement, music and art workshops will be inspired by the day’s theatre performance and will be divided in categories shaped according to children’s age hosted by a group of experienced theatre educators and teachers of music, kinetic and aesthetic education. Started in 2016, the workshop is primarily conducted in Greek, however the activities the children undertake are suitable for any language and background. The children’s workshop starts at 8:30pm in a building next to the theatre. Tickets for the workshops can be purchased online or at the theatre on the night for each child.
ANCIENT EPIDAURUS THEATRE 2024 PROGRAMME
The theatre works listed are performed in Greek with English subtitles
The intimate open air stage of ancient Epidaurus during a performance. Photograph: Thomas Daskalakis/National Theatre of Greece
JULY 2024 PERFORMANCES AT ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
IPHIGENIA IN AULIS by Euripides – Timofey Kulyabin
5 & 6 July 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
ORESTEIA by Aeschylus – National Theatre of Greece
12 & 13 July 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
PLUTUS by Aristophanes
19 & 20 July 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: NOT ON SALE YET
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
NOT HECUBA – Tiago Rodrigues & Comedie-Francaise
26 & 27 July 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus during a performance. Photograph: Thomas Daskalakis/NTG
AUGUST 2024 PERFORMANCES AT ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
THE BACCHAE by Euripides
2 & 3 August 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
BIRDS by Aristophanes
9 & 10 August 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
THE SUPPLIANTS by Aeschylus
23 & 24 August 2024 – 9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets Available Here
Transport Option: Private transfer to the Theatre
See the full Athens and Epidaurus Festival programme here.
Disclaimer: We make every attempt to ensure information about events are accurate and obtained from reliable sources. Why Athens is neither the producer nor ticketing agent of any performances listed and is therefore not responsible for the outcomes of performances including if they appear contrary to how the production has been originally promoted or represented. See our editorial policy for further information.
