The Greek National Opera revives Medea by Luigi Cherubini at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus for a unique performance on June 20, 2026 — sixty-five years after the legendary 1961 production starring Maria Callas in the title role, directed by Alexis Minotis, with sets and costumes by Yannis Tsarouchis and choreography by Maria Hors.

As part of its thematic focus for the 2025/26 artistic season — exploring the idea of “the opera of the future through the womb of the past” — the Greek National Opera has chosen to revive the 1961 Medea using the materials and artistic tools of today. Drawing from Minotis’ directing notebooks, Tsarouchis’ original designs, and the rich photographic archive preserved from Callas’ legendary performances at Epidaurus, the production seeks to reconstruct the performance as it was envisioned and presented by those mythical artists who left an indelible mark on Greek culture.

Following the closure of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for restoration works, the Greek National Opera continues its great tradition of summer opera productions — this time at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, nearly seven decades after its last opera production there and for the first time in the 21st century.

After enriching the Historical Archive of the Greek National Opera with new collections, photographic archives, and rare documents — along with the restoration of many of Tsarouchis’ costumes by the Opera’s Costume Department — and through collaboration with MIET/ELIA and the Minotis–Paxinou Archive, the Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera, George Koumendakis, has assembled a new creative team consisting of Panagis Pagoulatos (director), Lily Pezanou (sets), Tota Pritsa (costumes), and Christos Tziogas (lighting). Through extensive research into the surviving archival material, they reconstruct the historic production, offering today’s audiences a rare opportunity to experience an iconic landmark of Greek culture.

Historic 1961 Production

Direction: Alexis Minotis
Sets & Costumes: Yannis Tsarouchis
Choreography: Maria Hors

Reconstruction of the Historic 1961 Production

Artistic Director: George Koumendakis
Musical Direction: TBA
Director: Panagis Pagoulatos
Set Design: Lily Pezanou
Costume Design: Tota Pritsa
Lighting Design: Christos Tziogas
Chorus Master: Agathangelos Georgakatos

Cast

Anna Pirozzi — Medea
Danae Kontora — Glauce
Alicia Kolosova — Neris
Jean-François Borras — Jason
Tassis Christoyannis — Creon

Featuring the soloists, Orchestra, and Chorus of the Greek National Opera.

https://argolidalife.gr/ekdiloseis/archaio-theatro-tis-epidavrou-i-mideia-tou-louitzi-keroubini/