Euripides' 'Bacchae' with The Tiger Lillies launches tour of Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria

Following a highly praised premiere at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, the new production of Euripides' "Bacchae"—directed by Gyavur Gardef—begins a tour of Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. Bulgarian actor Leonid Gyobcev portrays Dionysus while Greek actress Loukia Michalopoulou plays Agave. The British avant‑garde band The Tiger Lillies provides live music, appearing onstage as dark troubadours.

The staging is a co‑production of the Festival of Athens‑Epidaurus, Bulgaria's National Theatre "Ivan Vazov", and the State Theatre of Northern Greece (KThVE). It will visit cities across the three countries, exploring themes of social tolerance to destabilisation and the way collective bodies process events before they become trauma, testing the limits of order and authority.

The collaboration highlights contemporary reinterpretations of ancient tragedy and the cultural exchange between Greek, Bulgarian and British artists.