Discover the top theatrical performances in Athens this September as the city’s vibrant theatrical scene takes center stage. From ancient Greek tragedies to contemporary theatrical delights, audiences are in for a treat at the iconic Herodes Atticus and Epidaurus Amphitheaters.
In Athens, the theatrical interest is transferred in September, as the biggest and best performances of the summer, most of which were presented in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, will be hosted at the Herodes Atticus Theatre and other open-air theatres in the city. The theatrical menu mainly includes ancient drama, tragedies, and comedies of ancient Greek tragedies with strong directorial signatures and notable actors. Discover the top theatrical performances in Athens this September and immerse yourself in the world of ancient Greek drama.
Iphigenia in Aulis
This theater performance is not to miss.Those who were not able to attend the much-discussed world premiere of “Iphigenia in Aulis” by Euripides at Epidaurus, directed by the internationally acclaimed Timofey Kulyabin, with starring roles by Anthi Eustratiadou, Maria Naupliotou, Nikos Psaras, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Nikolaos Papagiannis, Thanos Tokakis, and others, have another opportunity. The performance will be played at the Herodes Atticus Theatre on September 9 and 10.
Particularly positive comments were received at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus for Aeschylus’ “Suppliants,” the inspired co-production of the Theatre of Art Karolos Koun and the Theatre of the New World, directed by Mariana Kalbari with Lydia Koniordou, Lena Papaligoura, Lucia Michalopoulou, Giannis Tsortekis, and Akis Sakellariou in leading roles and Marina Satti as the Dance soloist. In September, you can see the performance at the Herodes Atticus Theatre (12/9) and at the Technological and Cultural Park of Lavrio (6/9), at the Municipal Theatre of Ilioupoli Dimitris Kindis (8-9/9), at the Katrakeio Theatre of Nikaia (10/9), at the Vrachon Theatre Melina Mercouri in Vyronas (13/9), at the Damaris Theatre Aliki Vougiouklaki in Vrilissia (14/9), and at the Euripides Theatre in Rematias in Chalandri (18/9).
The Birds
Those who wish to enjoy Odysseas Papaspiliopoulos and George Hristostomou as Aristophanes’ “Birds,” under the directorial guidance of Aris Binaris, have several venue and date options, including the performances at Petra Theatre in Petroupoli (6/9), Veakeio Theatre in Piraeus (12/9), Municipal Theatre Alexis Minotis in Aigaleo (15/9), Vrachon Theatre Melina Mercouri in Vyronas (16 & 17/9), Municipal Theatre of Ilioupoli Dimitris Kindis (18 & 19/9), and the School of Athens – Irene Pappa (20-21-22/9).
Oresteia
In Athens, the two major summer productions of the National Theatre also arrive. Theodore Terzopoulos’ “Oresteia” by Aeschylus, with Sofia Hill, Aglaia Pappa, Tasos Dimas, Savvas Stroumbos, and David Malteze, has already passed through Herodes Atticus, with four more performances scheduled at the School of Athens – Irene Pappa (8-11-13-14/9).
Bacchae
Euripides’ “Bacchae,” directed by Thanos Papakonstantinou and translated by George Himonas, with starring roles by Argyris Pantazaras, Konstantinos Avarikiotis, Alexia Kaltsiki, Themis Panos, Fotis Stratigos, Marianna Dimitriou, and others, will be hosted at the Papagou Garden Theatre (18/9), at the Vrachon Theatre Melina Mercouri in Vyronas (20/9), and at the School of Athens – Irene Pappa (25-26-27-28-29/9).
Plutus (Wealth)
The National Theatre of Northern Greece will also be present at the Athenian theatrical events of September with Aristophanes’ “Plutus,” which sold out twice at Epidaurus, with Yiannis Kakleas in the director’s chair and Manos Vakousis, Alexandros Zouridakis, Alexandra Palaiologou, Fay Kokkinopoulou, Kleio-Danae Othonaiou, and others comprising the cast. Performances will take place at the Katrakeio Theatre in Nikaia (12/9) and at the Papagou Garden Theatre (14/9).
Hercules Mad
One of the best performances of the summer is “Hercules Mad” by Euripides, directed by Dimitris Karantzas, with an exceptional cast including Pygmalion Dadakaridis, George Gallos, and Stefania Goulioti. The scheduled performance for September 9 at the Papagou Garden Theatre is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the performances at the Acharnes Amphitheater – Mikis Theodorakis (10/9) and at the Amphitheater “Thanasis Vengos” in Korydallos (13/9).
The Imaginary Invalid
Among the performances that have won over audiences and critics is “The Imaginary Invalid” by Molière, directed by Emilios Hailakis and Manolis Dounias, with starring roles by Emilios Hailakis, Athena Maximou, and Myrto Alikaki. As part of its large summer tour, the play with the work of the great French playwright will be presented at the Veakeio Theatre in Piraeus (8/9), the Municipal Amphitheater of Korydallos “Thanasis Vengos” (10/9), the Open Theatre “Alexis Minotis” in Aigaleo (12/9), the Municipal Theatre of Ilioupoli “Dimitris Kindis” (15/9), the Municipal Theatre “Mikis Theodorakis” – Acharnes (17/9), and the Petra Theatre in Petroupoli (18/9).
Language No Barrier: Supertitles Enhance the Experience
For international visitors and locals alike, language is no barrier to enjoying the theatrical performances in Athens. Many of the shows feature supertitles in English, ensuring that audiences can fully immerse themselves in the rich storytelling and powerful performances on display.
