Athens Epidaurus Festival Expands International Outreach with a Focus on Asia

Photo source: Athens Epidaurus Festival

The Athens Epidaurus Festival, Greece’s renowned annual arts festival held in Athens and Epidaurus from May to October, is actively expanding its global presence, setting its sights on Asia — a region with untapped potential for cultural exchange in modern Greek arts.

As part of this initiative, the festival’s Artistic Director Katerina Evangelatos and General Director Ioannis Kaplanis represented the festival in key arts events in South Korea and China in October, aiming to foster ties and explore collaboration opportunities.

At the 2024 Performing Arts Market Seoul, South Korea’s foremost international art expo, Evangelatos introduced the “Greek Agora of Performance”, Greece’s platform for promoting Greek performing arts abroad. During her visit, she engaged with representatives from cultural organizations across Asia, Australia, the Americas, Canada, and Europe.

Athens Epidaurus Festival Artistic Director Katerina Evangelatos. Photo source: Athens Epidaurus Festival

Evangelatos’ Asia tour also included a visit to Shanghai as a keynote speaker at the China Shanghai International Performing Arts Festival’s 2024 International Urban Culture Dialogue.

Reflecting on the festival’s mission, she emphasized Greece’s role in offering audiences around the world exposure to leading artists and innovative interpretations of classical Greek drama. She also explored the potential for cultural partnerships with China through joint productions, residencies, and masterclasses, closing her visit with participation in the 2024 Wuzhen Theater Festival.

Upcoming 70th anniversary of Athens Epidaurus Festival

Festival General Director Ioannis Kaplanis, also invited to China as an honorary speaker, delivered an address at the opening of the 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival.

During his speech, Kaplanis underscored the essential role of the arts in bridging divides amid global challenges, including war, inequality, and climate change. He highlighted the Athens Epidaurus Festival’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange through European research programs like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, which promote sustainability, accessibility, and technological innovation.

“Our goal is to create a dynamic network that bridges the arts with innovation and sustainability,” Kaplanis said, adding that these initiatives not only elevate the festival’s international profile but also provide valuable funding opportunities.

Kaplanis also marked the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, reaffirming its commitment to Greece as “an open, inclusive, green, and accessible event for all”.