If I remember anything else from this year’s Epidaurian Festival, it’s two experiences: “Agamemnon” from the German Residenztheater and Reni Pittaki. The reasons; The performance … of the Germans was fascinating (as the theater-goers willingly called the troupe). Reni Pittaki, the great heroine of the Art Theater, returned after 20 years to Epidaurus, teaching moral theater not only to the audience of The Persians, where she played Atossa, but also to the younger generation of actors. Epidaurus is not easy to conquer if you do not practice this genre. Here we need a theatrical marathon, not a television one.

This year was the first Epidaurian festival… of normality after a two-year pandemic. Although, according to K, there was an opinion that the festival should be extended to three days – that is, to include a performance on Sunday, like last year – the proposal was quickly forgotten. The performances were attended by about 80,000 spectators, attendance was negatively affected by the high cost of gasoline.

Of course, this was the first festival in Epidaurus that clearly showed the seal of Katherine Evagelatos. In fact, he started with Alquisti (one of Madame Evagelato’s favorite works) staged by the Dutchman Johan Simmons, one of the pioneers of the European theatrical avant-garde. The choice testifies to the intention of the festival to bring important foreign productions that offer interesting proposals for staging works of ancient Greek drama. “Alkistis” was applauded, but the troupe “Agamemnon” by Ulrich Rashe received the warmest applause. Both performances, however, were poorly attended (only about 10,000 spectators over four days), which should have worried the festival’s artistic management.

Performances in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus were watched by about 80,000 spectators.

The choice of Dimitris Karanzas was successful, who, together with the famous Pittakis and important young collaborators such as set designer Cleo Bobotis and experienced actors (Christos Loulis, Giorgos Gallos, Alexija Kaltsikis, Rula Tsimou), presented the proposal, which was discussed by a gathering of 14,000 spectators. It was the most popular production of the festival, and the combination of the tart and the utilitarian here probably succeeded.

The reprise of Helena by the Athens Greek Theater under the direction of the great Vassilis Papavasileu proved to be the right choice after the cancellation of his performances last year due to a fire in the area. It did well at the box office, and since last year the show has received recognition from artists.

Instead of the comedy of Aristophanes, which accompanied the tragedy, Bost’s Medea, a pleasant summer play, was chosen this year. A stronger footprint was produced by “Aias” staged (for the first time in Epidaurus) by Argyris Xafys, which confirmed those who believe in the industriousness and talent of the actor-director.

And then there were … “Wild bees” and “Sasmos”. The theater of Asclepius was overflowing with spectators who went to see Antigone and Iphigenia at Aulidis. The artistic effect of the two performances was not the same. The festival at Epidaurus was, of course, happy, because its treasury sank. This is also necessary.