All of Greece, One Culture

Culture is back in the building. Digital entertainment has carried many of us through the dull days – and duller nights - of lockdown. But let’s admit it, nothing tops the immediacy and buzz of a live play or musical performance unfolding before your eyes. The Greek Ministry of Culture is re-igniting the live arts – and all who sail in her - in grand scale this summer with a crackling spread of theatre, music, dance and cinema. Between 18 July and 30 September, some 251 performances will be staged for free at 111 of the country’s most impactful archeological sites and museums. It's called All of Greece, One Culture. And in the spirit of revival, the only cost is the entrance ticket to the site.

Naturally, Athens is getting in on this cultural comeback in a fierce way. Truth is, there’s so much great stuff on the bill, even our heads are spinning. So we’ll ease you back into the swing of things with 3 terrific Athens highlights:  

• Hear internationally renowned Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Ratsvelisvili, backed by the Athens State Orchestra, at the ancient Roman Agora (18 July at 8.30pm);
• Bow down to the genius of Mikis Theodorakis at a special anniversary concert to mark the great Greek composer’s 95th birthday (he scored a couple of little-known films called Zorba the Greek and Serpico) in the historic neighbourhood of Thissio (29 July);
• Travel back to Athens’ golden cultural age as an historic Greek film of 1930s Athens, The Apaches of Athens, deemed lost for decades, is screened at two stunning city landmarks: the former Royal Estate of Tatoi (12 September) and the National Archaeological Museum (15 September).

Check back in with us for more details soon about All of Greece, One Culture or take a deeper dive into the programme here.