The 2019 Epidaurus Festival premiered last Friday, June 21, with the successful performance of Oedipus by the highly acclaimed stage director, Robert Wilson.

This weekend June 28 &29 the National Theatre of Greece presents a bold, original concept; Oresteia, the only extant ancient drama trilogy is presented in Epidaurus in a single performance by three talented female directors in their Epidaurus debut, featuring a single cast and crew: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki, The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme, and The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani.

Part 1: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki

In the first part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, King Agamemnon returns to Argos, shortly after the end of the Trojan War. Agamemnon triumphantly marches into the city and his palace, flaunting the Trojan princess and Apollo priestess Cassandra as his captive. Clytemnestra welcomes her husband, all pomp and circumstance. However, her enthusiasm conceals a deadly, well-orchestrated plan.

Part 2: The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme

In the second part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, Electra takes center stage, mourning her murdered father and obsessively anticipating the return of her brother, Orestes, her beacon of hope, with whom she plans to take revenge for Agamemnon.

Part 3: The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani

The third part of the trilogy revolves around Orestes’ pursuit by the Furies and the holy trial he must submit himself to be acquitted. In this play, the Areopagus court is established, which is why it is often considered to be a foundational play of Athenian Democracy.

To learn more about the perfromance, please visit: Athens & Epidaurus Festival

Travel to Epidaurus comfortably, reliably, and on time with YK Executive Transfers.

Head out round the southeastern edge of the lagoon, past the old bridge, and look back at the Argostoli waterfront. Don’t dwell on the panorama too long or you’ll miss the wonderful statues and mausoleums of Drapano Cemetery.

For the next few miles, the road climbs steeply until the crystal waters of Argostoli Bay sparkle in the sunshine hundreds of feet below. In the distance, across the channel, the hills of the Pali Peninsula intersect sea and sky. If you’ve rented a Porsche, the twisting corniche will put your driving skills to the test; for the rest of us, sit back, get the camera out and enjoy the ride—remember to bring extra batteries.

Eventually, you’ll cross the isthmus connecting the Pali Peninsula to the mainland. The sea view disappears for a few miles but the rugged hills, dotted with pines, speak of a desolate beauty. Don’t worry the best is still to come.

About twenty miles out of Argostoli is one of Europe’s most photographed beaches. Here you’ll need to decide whether to take the winding track down the cliff to Myrtos Beach or just pull over and take pictures. The light on these Kefalonian cliffs has an unworldly clarity, drawing every shade of blue and turquoise from the sea, setting it off against the snow-white arc of the beach.

A few miles further north, the ruined castle at Assos serves up another breathtaking view. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the fort sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking a sheltered harbor and picturesque village. Home to some of the most photogenic buildings on the island, Assos is certainly worth checking out.

If you didn’t make it down to Myrtos, there’s still Emplisi Beach—five minutes out of Fiskardo. It’s a quiet sheltered cove, an ideal spot for a refreshing swim.
Next up is charming Fiskardo where pastel-painted buildings line the quayside, their walls festooned with flowers. Lock up the car, stroll down to the harbor and enjoy some Greek dishes under a shaded cabana by the water’s edge.

There’s plenty to see in Fiskardo but plan on leaving a couple of hours before sunset if you’re returning to Argostoli—negotiating the tortuous bends in the dark might not be for everyone.

If you make it back in time, finish the day at Saint Theodori’s Lighthouse. Santorini may be the sunset capital of the world but you won’t be disappointed as the sun disappears behind Paliki leaving the sky a kaleidoscope of purple, red and orange.

On days like these, it can seem unfair that Greece and its islands have so much natural beauty.

About the Author

Paul Dillon is a British author living in Los Angeles, California. His Kefalonia novel, The Magic in the Receiver, is currently an Amazon bestseller in the Greek Travel category.

Source: Visitgreece.gr

“It is the first time we are so well prepared,” said New Democracy’s executive members and emphasized that, despite the various press leaks, there was great willingness to participate in the ballots.

Similarly, Greek main opposition SYRIZA‘s central committee met today in order to take its final decisions on the matter. The special committee charged with the ballots drafting has completed its work and is expected to submit its proposals to the central committee, which might proceed with limited differentiations. The final ballots will be published today.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Aggelos Skordas