Nicosia: Four productions will be featured in this year’s ‘International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama’, organized by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the 28th edition of the Festival is scheduled to run from July 9 to August 2, 2025, at the Makarios III Amphitheatre in Nicosia, the Curium Ancient Theatre in Limassol, and the Ancient Odeon in Paphos. The event will present productions from Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, each offering a unique interpretation of ancient Greek drama.
The Italian production, The Bacchae by Euripides, marks the opening of the Festival. Directed by Daniele Salvo and produced by Dide Cultural Association – Amenanos Festival, it will be staged at the Makarios III Amphitheatre on July 9 and at the Curium Ancient Theatre on July 12. This production promises to delve into the intense world of Euripides with a cast of Italian actors.
The Greek production, Philoctetes by Sophocles, will be presented by Christos Tripodis’ Methexis Theatre Productions. Directed by George Kimoulis, it features George Kimoulis, Dimitris Gotsopoulos, and Thodoris Katsafados in leading roles. The performances are scheduled for July 18 and 19 at the Curium Ancient Theatre.
The Cypriot entry, Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides, is directed by Onisiforos Onisiforou and co-produced by Theatriki Stegi Kyprou and Anyhow Theatre Ensemble. The production will be performed at the Paphos Ancient Odeon on July 25 and 26, and at the Makarios III Amphitheatre on July 29. The cast includes Myrsinie Christodoulou in the lead role, supported by a team from Cyprus’s contemporary theatre scene.
Finally, the Greek production of Electra by Sophocles will be presented by Poreia Theatre, returning after three years. Directed by Dimitris Tarlow, the Artistic Director, the production will be performed at the Curium Ancient Theatre on August 1 and 2. It features Loukia Michalopoulou as Electra, with a cast that includes Anastasis Roilos, Ioanna Pappa, and Nikolas Papagiannis.
The Festival aims to enhance theatre education, provide access to performances for local and foreign audiences, and contribute to cultural tourism in Cyprus. The Selection Committee for the 2025 Festival included representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute, along with appointed members.
Ticket prices are set at £15 for regular admission, £10 for concessions, and £50 for a festival pass. Performances will begin at 21:00, with audience members requested to arrive by 20:00.