This June, the Athens Epidaurus Festival opens its 70th anniversary season with a powerful new staging of Antigone by Sophocles. The production will be presented exclusively at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus on June 27, 28, and 29, in Greek with English and Greek surtitles.
Directed by acclaimed German artist Ulrich Rasche and co-produced with the National Theatre of Greece, this world premiere promises a fresh and moving interpretation of a classic tragedy.
A New Vision of Antigone
The play is performed in a new translation by Nikos Panagiotopoulos. It brings together a cast of leading Greek actors and a dynamic 10-member chorus, all accompanied by live music.
Rasche is known for his unique theatrical language. In this production, he uses a large rotating stage, strong physical movement, and a live music ensemble. As a result, the performance combines ritual, rhythm, and emotional power.
While Antigone is often seen as a symbol of personal resistance, this version invites us to listen to Creon’s side of the story too. According to Rasche, Creon is not just a tyrant—he is also a leader trying to protect the state during a time of crisis. This contrast between public duty and personal belief lies at the heart of the drama.
International Direction, Local Talent
The cast includes:
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Kora Karvouni as Antigone
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Giorgos Gallos as Creon
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Filareti Komninou as Tiresias
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Dimitris Kapouranis as Haemon
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Thanos Tokakis as the Guard
In addition, the production features four musicians performing live on stage.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation supports this event as part of its ongoing commitment to the arts. Their donation helps bring global artistic voices to the Greek stage. In fact, Rasche is the third major European director invited to collaborate with Greek companies at the Festival, following Frank Castorf (2023) and Timofey Kulyabin (2024).
A Director with a Distinctive Voice
Ulrich Rasche has directed in major theatres across Europe. He previously staged Agamemnon at Epidaurus in 2022, which received high praise for its intense rhythm and visual power.
In Antigone, Rasche continues to explore themes of democracy, power, and moral responsibility. He explains:
“It’s easy to admire those who resist power. But perhaps we also need to consider what it means to hold power responsibly. Especially today, when we so often talk but rarely listen.”
Performance Details
🗓 Dates: June 27, 28 & 29, 2025
📍 Venue: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
🕘 Start Time: 21:00
🎭 Language: Greek, with Greek and English surtitles
🎟 Tickets:
Available online at aefestival.gr and more.com
📞 Phone booking: +30 211 800 8181 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–18:00)
♿ Accessibility line: +30 210 483 4913 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:00)
This production of Antigone at Epidaurus Festival 2025 is more than a play. It is a conversation between past and present, tradition and innovation, silence and speech. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience ancient drama come alive in a bold new way.