Cultural Events: Athens’ Stones to ‘Speak’ Again in Summer 2023

Actors at the National Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association.

“The Stones Speak,” a cultural program initiated by the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, is set to make a comeback for its fourth year at archaeological sites and museums in Athens.

Launched in 2017, the program aims to introduce the works of great writers from Greek antiquity to both residents and visitors of the Greek capital through theatrical performances. Its ultimate goal is to enhance the city’s tourism offerings by creatively connecting them to the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Scheduled for June, July, and September 2023, “The Stones Speak” will be presented three times a week – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – at select archaeological sites and museums. Each performance, accompanied by “live” music, will be a two-hour spectacle featuring five young actors delivering their lines in three different languages: Modern Greek, English, and French.

The program commenced on Friday, June 2, at the National Archaeological Museum. The Museum’s café, serving as a backdrop adorned with ancient Greek works of art, hosted this free event. The two-hour performance will be repeated on the following dates: June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24, starting at 11:00 am.

Moreover, on June 21, which marks the summer solstice, the Athens International Airport Museum, situated within the Main Airport Building (Departures Level – Entrance 3), will also feature a performance of “The Stones Speak.”

Actors at the National Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association.

This museum proudly exhibits a permanent collection of archaeological Mesogaia discoveries unearthed during the airport construction. Spanning from the Neolithic and Early Helladic to the Post-Byzantine period, the exhibition includes 172 archaeological artifacts. Inaugurated in 2003, the museum aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.

More information regarding the performance of “The Stones Speak” at the Athens airport, as well as other upcoming events in various archaeological sites and museums, will be announced shortly.

Actors at the National Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association.

“The Stones Speak” program runs under the auspices of the Tourism Ministry, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the Region of Attica, the Municipality of Athens and the Hellenic Hotels Chamber.

Greek director Efi Theodorou, composer Nikos Platanos and the Delos Drama School are the initiative’s artistic collaborators.

For more information visit the website www.stonesspeak.gr.