Heavy Rain Halts 'Eirini' Play at Ancient Epidaurus Theatre, Prompting Refunds

On 24 July 2024 the premiere of the production “Eirini – A Visit to Aristophanes' Work”, directed by Nikos Karathanou, was staged at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. About an hour after the start a sudden heavy downpour forced the performance to stop. Roughly 6,000 spectators, many elderly and children, tried to leave the slippery marble seating in darkness, creating chaos and safety concerns. Actors, including Galini Chatzipashali and Emili Koliantri, continued playing until the rain became intolerable; the show was completed the following day.

The incident triggered social‑media criticism and requests for ticket refunds, which the organizers pledged to process automatically. A week later, on 31 July, the National Theatre of Greece cancelled its staging of Euripides' “Troades” because smoke from wildfires in Argolis (Fikhti and Chinitsa) reduced visibility and posed a fire risk. Ticket holders were offered refunds or the option to attend rescheduled performances on 1‑2 August.