Βάκχες

The Bacchae arrives in Greek theatre under the direction of distinguished creator Yavor Gardev, featuring the internationally acclaimed British band The Tiger Lillies. Beyond composing the score, the ensemble performs live on stage, participating directly in the dramatic action. This major co-production of the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, Bulgarian National Theatre Ivan Vazov, and State Theatre of Northern Greece brings together a mixed cast of Greek and Bulgarian actors, including Samuel Finzi and Lucia Michailopoulou. Gardev's production interrogates social tolerance amid destabilization: how does collective consciousness metabolize disruption before it becomes trauma? The work tests the boundaries of order, probing the resilience of customs and institutions. In Euripides, Dionysian frenzy transcends innocent celebration, becoming a crucible for civilization itself, pushing control, convention and self-image to their limits.