The cultural agenda for July proposes exhibitions featuring work by prominent artists at art galleries around Greece, as well as plays and concerts at indoor and open-air venues, all of which promises to compensate the public for the extended period of cultural hibernation.
The events scheduled for July have needed to clear various obstacles prompted by the pandemic’s unstable conditions and are now set to enter the hearts of the art-yearning public, with all safety measures intact.
“Iphigenia in Tauris” at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Director Yorgos Nanouris presents Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris”, translated by Yorgos Ioannou, on July 2, 3 and 4, as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival. Renowned singer Haris Alexiou makes a return to theatre for her first ever performance at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Starring Lena Papaligoura, Mihalis Sarantis, Nikos Psarras, Pygmalion Dadakaridis, Promitheas Aliferopoulos, Kitty Paitazoglou and a six-member chorus. With Greek and English surtitles.
“Prometheus Bound” by Aeschylus begins tour in Hania
A production of “Prometheus Bound”, the emotionally devastating tragedy by Aeschylus, translated by Giorgos Blanas and directed by Aris Biniaris, features a formidable cast that stars Giannis Stankoglou in the lead role. It premieres July 4 in Hania, at the Anatolikis Tafrou (East Moat) Theatre, the home base of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Crete, co-producing this performance with the Poreia Theatre. July 4.
Euripides’ “Helen” premiere at Theatro Dasous
A National Theatre of Northern Greece production of Euripides’ “Helen”, translated by Pantelis Boukalas and directed by Vassilis Papavassiliou, premieres on July 7 at the Dasous Theatre in Thessaloniki. The play demonstrates the futility of war, as history has shown that its consequences are disastrous for both victors and losers.
Wim Mertens: Inescapable Tour at the capital’s Technopolis
The enduring bond linking Belgian musician Wim Mertens with Greek fans seems indestructible. The artist performs July 7 at the Technopolis venue in Athens’ Gazi district as part of his Inescapable Tour, marking the 40th anniversary of his musical career.
“Frogs” by Aristophanes at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
In this philosophical satire, Aristophanes presents a descent to the Underworld, in search of the poet who will save the world. This production is based on a new modern Greek translation by poet and translator Nikos A. Panagiotopoulos, directed by Argyro Chioti. July 9, 10 and 11. With Greek and English surtitles.
Greek National Opera all-star Verdi gala at the Kallimarmaro (Panathenaic Stadium)
The Greek National Opera presents the cultural highlight of the year, an all-star Verdi gala featuring opera diva Anna Netrebko, for her first ever performance in Greece. She will be joined on stage by the leading mezzo-soprano of our era Anita Rachvelishvili, distinguished tenor Yusif Eyvazov and leading Greek baritone Dimitri Platanias. July 10.
“The House with the Snakes” at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus
“The House with the Snakes”, a play by Vangelis Hatziyiannidis that was inspired by Sophocles’ “The Trachiniae”, offers an unexpected, extremely contemporary take on the myth. Directed by Eleni Skoti. Cast: Alexia Kaltsiki, Rania Economidou, Arietta Moutousi, Maro Papadopoulou, Iro Pektesi, Michail Tabakakis, Alexandros Manolidis. July 9 and 10. With Greek and English surtitles.
Alkinoos Ioannidis at Piraeus’ Veakio Theatre
Performing solo, singer-songwriter Alkinoos Ioannidis, a local favourite, is ready to share his new musical stories on July 13.
“1821-The Revue” at the Veakio Theatre
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, the Piraeus Municipal Theatre presents, at its summer venue, the open-air Veakio Theatre, a revue-style show based on a concept by singer-songwriter Fivos Delivorias and stage director Dimitris Karatzas. It examines the country’s 200-year course through music, self-criticism, humour and history. Until July 25.
Lena Platonos and Nalyssa Green at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Lena Platonos, a pioneering figure of Greece’s electronic and art-music scene, tackles the writing of Emily Dickinson, providing music to the American poet’s more luminous poetry. The material, with English lyrics maintained, is sung by Athina Routsi and Sissi Rada. More recent local act Nalyssa Green, returning to the stage after a one-and-a-half-year absence, promises to offer her unique artistic dimension to the evening. July 14.
Stand-up comedian Katerina Vrana returns to the Megaron Garden
Popular local stand-up comedian Katerina Vrana returns to the Athens Concert Hall’s outdoor Megaron Garden stage on July 14 for a performance culling highlights from three hit performances, “Feta cheese with the Queen”, “About Sex” and “Staying Alive-I Nearly Died”.
27th Kalamata International Dance Festival
A total of 31 productions, including performances by 18 dance troupes from abroad, three world premieres, and fascinating collaborations, as well as a rich educational programme for professionals and Kalamata residents, make up the offering of the 27th Kalamata International Dance Festival, running from July 16 to 25.
“Orestis” bv Euripides at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Conflict, plot twists, apologies and sharp political commentary fill the Euripides play “Orestes”, presented in a translation by Giorgos Heimonas and directed by Yannis Kakleas. Starring Aris Servetalis, Mary Mina, Panos Vlahos, Giorgos Psychogios, Emilianos Stamatakis, Nicoletta Kotsailidou, Jerome Kaluta. July 16, 17 and 18. With Greek and English surtitles.
Alexandra K at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus
During the summer of ’58, in a Greek village, a woman kills her two children. In the play “Milk, Blood”, Alaxandra K* takes Medea to an era in which women have just begun to realise that life doesn’t offer the same fate for both sexes. Directed by Yannos Perlengas. Cast: Elena Topalidou, Magda Kafkoula, Giorgis Vassilopoulos, Yannos Perlengas, Syrmo Keke, Mihalis Titopoulos. July 16 and 17. With Greek and English surtitles.
Rethymnon Percussion Festival
Creativity, interaction, movement and expression of emotions promises to provide the beat, under a star-filled Cretan sky, at the Rethymnon Percussion Festival, featuring international acts. Co-organised by Act for Art and the Rethymnon municipality. Events taking place at various points around the city. July 20 to 24.
Marabou Project on Kythnos
A photographic journey, through the lens of Konstantinos and Petros Sofikitis, that reveals the untold stories of people on the Aegean islands with the aim of preserving professions, local customs and traditions in danger of vanishing during our times, is being presented for the first time on Kythnos. The exhibition runs through September 18. At the Margiora space in Chora, the island’s main town.
Vassilis Papaconstantinou at Technopolis
Singer Vassilis Papaconstantinou, a local favourite for decades, presents all the hits as well as fresh material from a new album titled “Antilalos”.
“Ichneutae” by Michail Marmarinos at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
“Ichneutae” (Trackers), a partially saved satyr play by ancient dramatist Sophocles, is the only surviving dramatic narrative on how music reached the ears of mankind. It is directed by Michail Marmarinos, who returns to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus presenting the play in a historic German translation, with supplementary material, by Carl Robert. July 23, 24 and 25. With Greek and English surtitles.
Group exhibition “Weaving the Future, Part II”
The group exhibition “Weaving the Future, Part II”, taking place at the Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa – G.I. Katsigras Museum, features 29 artists participating through various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, installations, photography, video and performance. Also on show is contemporary work, based on tradition, local customs and traditions, created through traditional means such as embroidery, the loom, knitting and sewing. Runs through October 31.
“Dance With My Own Shadow” at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Greek National Opera Ballet returns to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus stage with the production “Dance With My Own Shadow”, on July 25, 27 and 29, as part of the Athens Festival. Konstantinos Rigos, director of the Greek National Opera Ballet, has choreographed four unique compositions by composer Manos Hadjidakis.
“Phaedra on Fire” at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus
Contrary to the guilt-ridden Phaedra of the ancient myth and its classical translations, writer Amanda Michalopoulou’s contemporary Phaedra, inspired by Marina Tsvetaeva’s sensual heroine, assumes responsibility for her desire. Directed by Yannis Kalavrianos. July 30 and 31.
