The ancient Odeon of Herod Atticus, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, has opened its 70th Athens Epidaurus Festival — its last before a major restoration begins. The nearly 2,000-year-old Roman-era theater will close after this summer for at least three years of conservation work, according to apnews.com.
For Athenians, it’s more than just a venue — it’s the heartbeat of summer culture. Legendary artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay, and Maria Callas have graced its iconic stage. As the curtain prepares to fall, spectators are savoring every performance under the open sky.
The Greek National Opera opened this season with Puccini’s Turandot, adapting the space with added platforms and backstage structures to meet the grand production’s demands.
Artistic director Katerina Evangelatos reflected on the venue’s deep cultural significance: “When (people) think of the Athens cultural scene, everyone thinks of the festival and Herodion … It is the heart of the festival.”
Greek National Opera’s Giorgos Koumendakis called the Odeon “a strained, fatigued space,” yet one revered like a “temple of art.” He noted how performers are visibly moved by its history and ambiance.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni confirmed the closure at summer’s end, though the exact reopening depends on ongoing structural assessments.
For soprano Lise Lindstrom, starring in Turandot, the moment is unforgettable: “To be able to stand on the stage and look directly up and see the Acropolis is a little bit mind-blowing.”
The final season is underway — a farewell before a long-awaited revival.
Source: apnews.com
