According to a report released in Ta Nea, the National Theater is in dire conditions financially. It is speculated that the financial problems will cripple the theatre’s ability to fulfill its normally booked season at the ancient theatre of Epidavros. The theatre company is said to have only 90,000 euros as opposed to the 1.3 million euros needed for the summer productions and co-productions for next year.
With uncertainty surrounding whether the 3 shows planned for this summer will be able to stay a float or have to stop production, the theatre’s livelihood isn’t the only concern. The performances are critical to Epidavros tourism as well.
The 2 towns most affected by the cancellation of performances, Palaia Epidavros and Nea Epidavros, are quaint and modest, boasting natural beauty, a few tavernas, town squares, and beautiful beaches. The ancient theatre of Epidavros dates to 340 BC and is considered to be one of the best preserved and most beautiful of all the ancient theatres in Greece. Moreover, for the people of Epidavros, the theatre is a great source of income with hotels being booked weeks if not months in advance in anticipation of the National Theatre’s performances. The entire municipality relies heavily on the influx of business created by the busloads of tourists who flood Epidavros to see the performances each summer. Now the locals must wait to see if the theatre, which seats up to 14,000 people, will remain vacant this summer and how that will affect their livelihood.
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