Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Greece (streaming online) Staged outside, this live production of Aeschylus’ tragedy reminds us how even mighty powers can be brought low by too much confidence Watching the last rays of a low sun on the seats at Epidaurus, hearing the bustle of excited theatre-goers as they arrive, it’s hard not to be moved. People have been attending plays here for more than 2,300 years. As theatres struggle to survive, Epidaurus has a better chance than most – partly because it is outdoors and partly because its vast size makes social distancing relatively easy. Happily, it is also sacred to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing. Directed by Dimitris Lignadis, artistic director of the National Theatre of Greece, Persians_ _by_ _Aeschylus_ _is the first production to be live-streamed from Epidaurus. It’s hugely appropriate: Persians is the earliest tragedy we have (it was first produced in 472BC) and it is theatrically innovative: multiple actors and performed dialogue were new inventions back in Aeschylus’ day. It is also the only Greek tragedy to tell a story from recent history: the Battle of Salamis in 480BC. Continue reading...
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