Experience Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless masterpiece, La Traviata, on the iconic stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, presented by the Greek National Opera (GNO) as part of the 2024 Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

This beloved opera, known for its enchanting arias and duets, tells the tragic love story of Violetta Valéry, a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices everything for love. Directed by the GNO’s choreographer and artistic director, Konstantinos Rigos, this production will transport the audience from Violetta’s 18th-century Parisian residence to the modern world, where the heart-wrenching conclusion of the story unfolds. Rigos’ direction, inspired by Verdi’s stirring music, will delve into the hypocrisy of relationships, the rigidity of social structures, and the heroine’s poignant romance.

The American opera superstar Nadine Sierra will grace the stage as Violetta Valéry, with rising tenor Freddie De Tommaso as Alfredo Germont and internationally acclaimed baritone Dimitri Platanias as Giorgio Germont. Additionally, the distinguished GNO soprano Vassiliki Karayanni will perform the title role in the second cast. Don’t miss this captivating production of La Traviata, a highlight of the festival and a testament to the enduring power of Verdi’s music.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday, 27 June at 12.00!

Note: This performance will feature subtitles in both English and Greek.

On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August, the National Theatre of Greece presents Euripides’ The Bacchae, with Greek and English surtitles, at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.

Directed by Thanos Papakonstantinou as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, this tragedy of mysticism and ecstasy – but also of barbarity – is an enthralling artistic experience orchestrated by the god of theatre himself, Dionysus.



About The Bacchae

When the god Dionysus arrives in Thebes, King Pentheus refuses to acknowledge his first cousin as a divinity and forbids his subjects to worship him. This excites the wrath of Dionysus, who, in a tragic reversal of persecutor and persecuted, leads Pentheus to destruction at the hands of his own mother.

Euripides wrote The Bacchae – a tragedy of Greeks, rulers and people, according to the great Polish theatre critic and theoretician Jan Kott – in the third decade of the Peloponnesian War, when History was now out of control. The great tragic poet composed it during his last year in Macedonia, where he had come into contact with the cult of Dionysus.



Not for the first time bringing his fellow-citizens face-to-face with behaviour that he had condemned throughout his life, Euripides constructed a tragedy – one of the few with Dionysus as a main character – about the god’s conflict with mortals, human virtue and savagery, caution and fallacy, and the rational and the irrational. For Euripides, when man is overcome by his bestial instincts, when barbarity awakens furiously within him, all social co-existence is negated, even when it is that cornerstone of society, the relationship of mother and child.

It is violence that means the end of the city-state of Athens. And as the tragedy grapples with the essence of human identity, political or individual (with the end of the latter), The Bacchae becomes – in many respects – a drama about the death of ancient tragedy itself.

 

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' premier English-speaking theatre, presents a unique double bill featuring two contemporary plays: "Focus Group" by Marco di Stefano and "Resistance in a Time of Peace" by Jibbe Willems.

Under the direction of Chará Lianou, these plays explore both the personal and political, taking the audience on a thought-provoking and poetic journey of discovery and revelation.

Opening on Friday, August 9th, for a limited run through to September 16th.

The show opens with "Resistance in a Time of Peace", a captivating solo piece that follows a woman stranded in her car in an isolated setting, sparking reflections on the course of her life to this point. As she considers an escape from reality, and from the stifling routine of an unfulfilled romantic relationship, she embarks on an inner quest. A powerful monologue about how difficult it is to resist decisions that are in line with the expected course of events.



The closing performance is "Focus Group". The plot centers on Carla, a newcomer excited to lead a focus group in her new, well-paid and secure job. After all, this is just a team doing market research. What could go wrong? For members of this particular focus group, almost everything.



In this controversial and provocative work that explores the relationship between companies and consumers, supply and demand, truth and falsehood, reality and fantasy, the product under evaluation confronts the group members with perhaps the most basic existential question of man. The choice between life and death. A choice that is always pending.

About the Authors

Dutch playwright Jibbe Willems, with a rich background as an actor and director, has showcased his works in countries such as France, Mexico, the USA, and China, and has been distinguished at festivals like Avignon 2022.

Italian playwright Marco di Stefano, founder of the company "La Confraternita del Chianti" has brought to life the international project "Pentateuco" and collaborated with prestigious institutions like the Venice Biennale and the Croatian National Theatre, presenting works in Germany, Spain, and France.



Performance Details:

"FOCUS GROUP"

Text: Marco di Stefano
Adaptation & Direction: Chará Lianou
Cast: Konstantinos Adraktas, Michalis Theodorakis, Anestis Ischnopoulos, Anastasia Bougiaka, Giorgos Chatzikyriakos

"RESISTANCE IN A TIME OF PEACE"

Text: Jibbe Willems
Direction: Chará Lianou
Performance: Marita Tzatzadaki

Movement Direction: Maria Vathi
Costumes: Maria Tsioti
Set Design: Chará Lianou
Lighting Design: Fernanda Balcells
Set Construction: Dimitris Mellos
Poster: Νikos Stavrou Photography
Trailer: Nikos Pagonakis
Communication & Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli

Performance Dates:

From August 9th to September 16th
Every Friday to Monday at 20:00
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: 15€ Presale

*20 tickets at the special price of €5 available at the theatre's box office (Required arrival by 19:00).

On Saturday, August 31st, Bolivar Beach Club proudly presents the electrifying Indira Paganotto. This charismatic Spanish DJ and producer, known for her infectious smile, dazzling stage presence, and vibrant personality, is set to take over the Athenian Riviera with her unique blend of techno and psytrance beats.

Indira is celebrated for her ability to fuse these two genres, creating a distinctive, groovy sound that resonates with both techno enthusiasts and psytrance fans alike. Her performances and innovative approach have earned her a spot on some of the world’s biggest electronic dance music stages and festivals, including Awakenings, Tomorrowland, Circoloco, Amnesia Ibiza, and Exit. Her releases on Charlotte De Witte's KNXT label, along with her appearances at the namesake events, epitomize the pinnacle of the genre’s elite.

Joining her are the dynamic duo Até b2b Salin and Steve Sai, who promise an unforgettable night with a dancefloor that will be packed from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event!

 

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English theatre, presents KAFKA’S thought-provoking short story "REPORT TO AN ACADEMY", adapted by the acclaimed German theatre director Gabriele Jakobi, marking the 100th anniversary of the great author's death. This international theatrical performance, featuring the dynamic actor-director Robert McNamara, is coming from Washington for a limited engagement of just four performances on September 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th.



This provocative drama, serves as a reversal of Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” exploring the transformation of an animal into a man. It breathes life into Kafka's dark parable, compelling audiences to reflect on critical issues surrounding free will, animal rights, and the ethics of vegetarianism.



The play centers on an intelligent ape named “Red Peter”, who was captured in a West Africa hunting expedition and sent to Europe on a ship. To effect his survival, Peter learns to mimic and imitate the ship’s crew from his cage. By evolving to behave like a human, he devises an escape. Ultimately, he presents his fascinating tale of transformation and the horrid details of his former ape life to a scientific Academy.



BIO — Robert McNamara ("Red Peter")

Robert McNamara is a seasoned actor and director with a distinguished career spanning theatre, film, and television since the early 1970s. A native of Washington, DC, he earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and an M. Litt. from Trinity College Dublin, where he founded the Dublin Stage One Theatre Company.

His notable performances include roles such as Kenneth in The Ginger Man, Ulysses in The Caveman Cometh, and Agamemnon in Agamemnon, which he also directed. McNamara's film credits include The Messenger, America’s Most Wanted, and the cult classic The Exorcist. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of Scena Theatre in Washington, DC, where he directs innovative productions and tours extensively in Europe.

About THEATRE OF THE NO: Theatre of the NO is Athens' first English theatre, which opened its doors on April 18, 2024, with Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." The theatre established itself as a hub for artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and dialogue within the local and global community. With a diverse repertoire that includes classic and contemporary plays, poetry, experimental theatre, opera, live music, and stand-up comedy. Theatre of the NO strives to challenge and inspire its audience, creating transformative experiences.

Performance Details

Αdaption – Direction: Gabriele Jakobi
Cast: Robert McNamara
Marketing Communications Agency: deancreative.com
Communication and Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli
Production: FAIL BETTER PRODUCTIONS

PERFORMANCE DATES

Tuesday 3nd and Wednesday 4th September at 20.00
Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September at 20.00
Duration: 55’
Tickets: 15€

(20 tickets at the special price of €5 available at the theatre's box office. Required arrival by 19:00).

Traveling Romanian comedian Victor Patrascan will perform in Greece this September!

The international comedian Victor Patrascan is set to bring his unique brand of humor to Greece this autumn. Often referred to as ‘the Comedy Nomad’, Victor is known among his comedy peers for organizing the biggest self-produced tour of Europe and beyond.

With no place to call home, Victor practically lives on the road touring constantly. For the past four years, he performed in about 50 countries, bringing laughter to audiences with his clever observations and engaging storytelling.

Victor will bring 2 entirely different shows to Greece: ‘Failing in Love’ where he will touch on subjects like love, relationships, identity and gender and ‘Stand up Comedy in Broken English’ where Victor sharply skews ideas of nationality, hatred, race, religion and stereotypes.

Victor weaves his unique experience as a vagabond into his performances. Audiences are invited to see themselves reflected in the eyes of a performer who has uprooted himself from his national roots. While he jokes about the stereotypes of every nation he has visited, he also highlights how absurd identity can be. Victor will be performing in multiple cities, promising a unique and thought-provoking experience for comedy lovers and dilettantes alike!

4th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Patras at Act Theater

5th September • Failing in Love • Athens at Arch Live Stage

6th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Athens at Arch Live Stage

7th September • Stand up Comedy in Broken English • Thessaloniki at Theatro Amalia

8th September • Failing in Love • Thessaloniki at Theatro Amalia

All the shows will be performed entirely in English!

Get ready for a night to remember as the legendary Pavlov's Dog takes the stage on September 10 at the iconic Kyttaro Live in the heart of Athens! This beloved venue, known for its cozy atmosphere and vibrant musical legacy, is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable performance by one of rock's cult favorites.

Prepare to be mesmerized by Pavlov's Dog's unique blend of progressive rock and lush orchestral arrangements, all brought to life by the captivating vocals of David Surkamp. This is your chance to connect with fellow music enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the rich history of a band that has been captivating audiences for decades.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience Pavlov's Dog up close and personal at one of Athens' most cherished live music spots!

Attention all music aficionados! Get ready to dive into the vibrant sounds of the Plisskën Festival, making its much-anticipated return for an exciting autumn edition this September! Set to unfold in mid-September, this festival promises a dynamic lineup featuring a mix of internationally celebrated acts and emerging talents that will keep your spirits high and your feet moving. Experience everything from the mind-bending psych rock of French band Slift to the infectious Latin rumble rock of London’s Los Bitchos, all in the iconic setting of Pireos 260. Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or a curious newcomer, you won't want to miss this incredible musical event, now in its 14th year!

The festival kicks off on September 13 with a headlining performance by the electrifying Swedish post-punk band Viagra Boys, renowned as one of the most exhilarating bands of our era. They’ll be joined by an impressive array of talent, including Mall Grab, Acid Pauli, and Billy Nomates, alongside the psychedelic power trio Slift. Also gracing the stage will be the unique b2b collaboration of Jacques Greene and Nosaj Thing, plus Bar Italia, Love Remain, Terr, Nekrotsoulithra, and the innovative Kinshasa-based group KOKOKO!

Day two, September 14, promises an equally thrilling lineup with the highly awaited debut of emo-rap sensation Yung Lean. The stage will also be lit up by the lively surf-exotica vibes of Los Bitchos, as well as performances from 2ManyDJs, Casisdead, Nabihah Iqbal, Parra for Cuva, Jennifer Loveless, the Lambrini Girls, Sherelle, Logic1000, and King Kami. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable musical journey!

Embark on a unique theatrical walking tour through the vibrant neighborhood of Kypseli! "Next Stop: Kypseli" returns this September for its fourth season, offering a limited number of immersive experiences. Starting from the Municipal Market of Kypseli, this engaging journey will take you through the rich history and hidden stories of one of Athens' most diverse and lively areas.

Led by theatrical guides Magda Gouberou and Christos Christopoulos, you’ll explore significant events, local legends, and the cultural tapestry that defines Kypseli. From the early 20th century to the present day, this tour brings the past to life with interactive storytelling, surprise stops, and a mix of historical records, personal anecdotes, and urban myths.

Don't miss this chance to rediscover Kypseli in a way you've never experienced before!

Dates & Times:

• Sunday, September 15 | 19:00 & 22:00
• Sunday, September 22 | 19:00 & 22:00
• Sunday, September 29 | 19:00 & 22:00

Duration: 70 minutes
Meeting Point: Municipal Market of Kypseli / Exhibition Entrance on Fokionos Negri
Arrival Time: 18:45 & 21:45
Ticket Prices: €7 (General) | €5 (Reduced for unemployed, students, persons with disabilities, and seniors 65+)

 

On Monday, September 16th, the Athens English Comedy Club bids summer farewell with a stand-up comedy show on the coolest (in more ways than one) rooftops of Athens; at the Anesis open-air cinema in Ampelokipoi.  

In the last 4 and a half years, the Athens English Comedy Club has hosted lineup shows, open mic shows, online competitions, and comedy workshops, with *120* local and international comedians from *28 countries*. 

With:

Headliner: Dimitri Doukoglou

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date: Monday, September 16th

Time: 20:30 (Doors open 20:00)

Tickets: €10 early-bird | €15 General admission | €20 at the box-office

We also offer 3 free tickets per show to persons with disabilities or unemployed persons (Reservation required via phone at 6987994689 or email at athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com).

Duration: 80mins + interval

Recommended for ages 16+

Address: ANESIS open-air cinema, Kifissias Avenue 14 (nearest Ampelokipoi metro)  

The cinema is wheelchair accessible.