Athens' Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theatre to Close for Renovations

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theatre structure located on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

For most visitors to Athens, the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a must-see destination.

For a long time, talented artists have wanted to perform and excel at this theater because of its majestic stage. For the people of Athens, this is the highlight of the summer cultural calendar.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theatre – known in Greek as the Herodion – recently opened its 70th season at the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival.

This summer's opening will be the "last" chance for visitors before the theater closes for maintenance and restoration, expected to last at least three years.

On stage, music gives the theater its “soul.” Famous artists who have performed here include Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay and Greek-American singer Maria Callas.

The theater's closure is seen as a huge loss for audiences who look forward to enjoying top-notch art under the stars at one of the world's most iconic outdoor theaters.

“When you think of the Athens cultural scene, everyone thinks of the carnival and Herodion. It is the heart of the carnival,” said Katerina Evangelatos, the festival’s artistic director since 2019.

When the Greek National Opera opened the festival with Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, the Organizing Committee built temporary structures behind the vaulted walls to expand the space available for dressing rooms, as the underground facilities were not large enough.

The show also needed more space inside the venue to accommodate its large scale.

A film crew extended a balcony-like wooden stage to extend partially over the orchestra pit. This created space for a large cast and intricate set.

Giorgos Koumendakis, artistic director of the Greek National Opera, describes the Herodes Atticus Odeon as possessing "a tense, tired space" but is still widely revered.

“People who are knowledgeable will understand better about this space, the historical significance here, the importance of the festival and the history of the Greek National Opera. When you enter the theater, everything is different. The singers and the orchestra come here, they are really uplifted and want to give their all,” said Giorgos Koumendakis .

Conservation and restoration project

In previous restoration and conservation projects, the Herodes Atticus Odeon theatre had its surfaces cleaned, cracks filled with mortar and new seating installed.

This time, the scope of work will depend on findings from studies that are still underway.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said that while the venue's closure date is certain at the end of the summer, they are not sure when the theatre will reopen.

"This will depend on the problems that the studies show. It will probably take at least three years," Lina Mendoni said in an interview with Greek radio station Skai.

In addition, the organizers of the city's annual Athens Epidaurus festival also need to consider alternative venues for the next few years.

Festivals were held at ancient sites such as the theater of Epidaurus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the summer.

“The festival brings the miracle of life and artistic heritage,” said Mendoni .

On the festival's opening night, the backstage area was bustling with final preparations. Soprano Lise Lindstrom, who plays Turandot, sensed the seriousness of the scene.

“The atmosphere here is really magical. I have to admit, being able to stand on stage and look up and see the Acropolis is magical. And then looking out and seeing all these people sitting there and being so into the show – it's really powerful and magical,” the singer said.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/nha-hat-odeon-of-herodes-atticus-cua-athens-se-dong-cua-de-cai-tao-146572.html