Antigone in Epidaurus

Lithuanian director Cezaris Grauzinis brings a strikingly contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ tragic tale of defiance against oppression to the Athens Epidaurus Festival (aefestival.gr).

On stage at the stunning Ancient Theater of Epidaurus on August 5 and 6, the play stars Elli Tringou in the title role, Vassilis Bisbikis as Creon and Ieroklis Michailidis as Coryphaeus. It will have Greek and English surtitles.

On the day after the Civil War in Thebes, yesterday’s protectors of the city celebrate their victory, trying to erase from their memory the days of insecurity and misery. The new ruler, Creon, participates in the celebration with the aim of consolidating his power by intimidating his fellow citizens with threats. The young Antigone also “celebrates”; a celebration of disobedience, illuminated by the enthusiasm of resistance to the political pragmatism of tyranny. Acclaimed Lithuanian director Cesaris Grouzinis returns to the Athens Epidaurus Festival with a modern and timely adaptation of the Sophoclean tragedy.