ATHENS EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL 2023
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for tickets and accommodation, it is recommended to check hotel rates and book rooms & tickets well in advance.
The 2023 AEF reopened to audiences on June 1st, with performances by international musicians at the iconic stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus beneath the majestic rock of the Acropolis, including Sigur Rós, Nils Frahm and John Cale.
Audiences can also expect performances by the Greek National Opera, including Giacomo Puccini’s, “Madama Butterfly,” and Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco.” Greek singer and songwriter Yiannis Aggelakas will also perform from his latest album, and legendary German electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk will perform their greatest hits. Avant-garde stage director Philippe Quesne will close the program at the Odeon on August 4th with “The Garden of Delights,” his latest theatre production inspired by the famous painting by Dutch painter Jérôme Bosch.
Don’t’ forget that if you’re visiting the ancient theatre of Epidaurus this summer, don’t miss the Medea periodic exhibition at the Epidaurus Festival Museum. The Museum is active again after 22 years, which in itself is a reason to celebrate. The exhibition dedicated to Medea focuses on the different reenactments of the classic ancient Greek tragedy at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus dating back to 1956, when the famous production by Alexis Minotis with legendary actress Katina Paxinou took place.
Peiraios 260 in downtown Athens, 1km from the Kallithea Metro Station, provides the perfect space for the festival’s avant-garde and alternative productions. A typical example of 1970s industrial architecture, the venue is rapidly turning into one of the city’s major cultural centers. This year’s program features a rich medley of performances, including Alexander Zeldin’s “The Confessions,” and Natasha Triantafylli’s thought-provoking “Marshall Plan – A Path of Perspectives,” as well as the AEF Urban Dance Contest – Hip Hop Battle & All Styles Battle.
For more information on this year’s program, venues, artists, and tickets, please visit the official AEF 2023 website.