Dimitris Karantzas

As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the Greek National Opera has commissioned composer Yiorgos Vassilandonakis to write a new opera based on Emmanouel Rhoides' controversial 1866 novel "The Papess Joanne." Regarded as heretical at the time of its publication, the novel explores the fascinating legend of Papess Joan and argues that the Catholic Church covered up her existence.

Dimitris Karantzas' production of Aristophanes' comedy "The Clouds," playing at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus on Friday and Saturday, is the second to last show on the Greek Festival's ancient drama program at the 4th century BC theater.

Three male performers question, re-examine and attempt to provide answers to the legend of Euripides' Medea from a male perspective in a performance at the Little Theater of Ancient Epidaurus directed by Dimitris Karantzas and starring Giorgos Gallos (Medea), Christos Loulis (Jason, Creon, Tutor, Aegeus) and Michalis Sarantis (Chorus, Messenger, Nurse).

Greek Festival director Giorgos Loukos was surrounded by fresh faces at a recent press conference in Athens where he took the opportunity to introduce two new, albeit long-awaited, initiatives.