Epidaurus theatre cancellation sparks criticism of government coordination

PASOK MP Andreas Poulos has raised questions regarding a lack of coordination between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection following the cancellation of the play ‘Troades’ at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus during the Fichtia wildfire.

Poulos’s parliamentary inquiry highlights significant delays in notifying spectators about the cancellation. While the Ministry of Culture claims that audiences were “timely informed,” critics point out that many attendees were only notified while en route or after arriving at the venue, exposing them to smoke and traffic congestion.

The inquiry seeks clarity on when the decision was made, which specific authority issued it, and how the Athens Epidaurus Festival and the National Theatre were notified. Furthermore, questions remain regarding whether special considerations were made for the elderly, families with children, and persons with disabilities during the disruption.