“Ancient Drama Inspires and Athens Unites the Youth of Europe”
April 24–26, 2026 / Greek Art Theatre Karolos Koun– Frynichou Street
Organized by: Develop Athens (Municipality of Athens) – Michael Cacoyannis Foundation
A three-day artistic gathering of students from Greece and abroad, dedicated to Ancient Drama, is organized by the Municipality of Athens through Develop Athens, in collaboration with the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation.
The event titled “Ancient Drama Inspires and Unites the Youth of Europe” will take place on April 24 and 26, 2026, at the historic, award-winning Greek Art Theatre Karolos Koun on Frynichou Street, with free admission. It aims to highlight the timeless power of ancient Greek theatre as a shared cultural space for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration.
Students from Athens, Paphos, Seville, and the Greek diaspora in Germany will present performances and contemporary adaptations of ancient drama, expressing the concerns, visions, and values of the younger generation. Through creative stage approaches, young people bring out the timeless relevance of themes such as justice, freedom, democracy, conflict, and reconciliation. Ancient drama is thus presented not only as cultural heritage, but also as a living tool of education, communication, and artistic expression.
The event is a celebration of creativity and participation, where art becomes a bridge connecting languages, cultures, and experiences, reaffirming that ancient drama continues to inspire, provoke thought, and unite the younger generations of Europe.
The initiative carries special symbolism, as it takes place in Athens—the city where ancient theatre was born and where the works of the great classical tragedians Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus were first performed. The city is called upon to serve as a meeting point of cultures and a living stage for dialogue among Europe’s youth.
This initiative aims to establish Athens as an international hub for youth connection and creative expression, strengthening European identity through a shared cultural heritage. At the same time, it fosters empathy, respect for diversity, and teamwork, highlighting the importance of art as a bridge of communication
Ancient Drama Inspires and Unites the Youth of Europe
PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
Friday, April 24, 2026
15:00 – 16:00 ENEEGYL Agios Dimitrios – 2nd Gymnasium of Argyroupoli (40’)
“Philoctetes” by Sophocles
16:00 – 17:00 Greek Gymnasium of Düsseldorf – Greek Gymnasium of Wuppertal (45’)
“Pina Bausch in dialogue with ancient Greek myths… from Iphigenia to Orpheus”
17:00 – 18:00 Nikolaideio Gymnasium of Paphos (45’)
“The Birds” by Aristophanes
18:00 – 19:00 Model Experimental Gymnasium of Peristeri (50’)
“Helen” by Euripides
Sunday, April 26, 2026
14:00 – 15:00 1st Model Lyceum of Athens / Gennadeio (30’)
“Antigone in Haiti” by Sara Thilykou
15:00 – 16:00 In Albis Teatro – Morón de la Frontera, Seville (40’)
“The Trojan Women” by Euripides
16:00 – 17:00 4th General Lyceum of Palaio Faliro (35’)
“Inspired by Iphigenia”
Free Admission
These activities are implemented in the Subproject 1 of the Actions for the Promotion, Enhancement, and Advancement of Tourism in the Municipality of Athens” (OPS 6018475), a key initiative funded by the Attica 2021-2027 Program and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
MEDIA SPONSOR
