On August 31, 2025, my second term as Artistic Director of the Athens Epidaurus Festival comes to a close. These six years have been nothing short of extraordinary—years filled with unforgettable memories, deep agonies, moments of utter joy, and hard decisions. Above all, they were years marked by meaningful encounters: with all my colleagues who poured their energy into building a multifaceted Festival; with artists from across the globe; and with the wider audience, who embraced our programme and initiatives with remarkable warmth.
To all of them, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.
My professional commitments as a stage director over the coming period, both in Greece and abroad—including some already publicly known—do not allow the necessary space to consider the possibility of a new term. At this juncture, I feel the profound need to devote myself fully to Theatre, with all my resources and energy. It is my sincere hope that my collaborators and I have succeeded in leaving a positive and lasting imprint on the history of the Festival. However, the moment of reflection and closure is yet to arrive; a thorough report on our work and its impact will follow at the conclusion of this year’s programme.
I would like to warmly thank the Minister of Culture, Ms Lina Mendoni, for the great honour she bestowed upon me and her overall trust. Please let it be taken as a given that I will support the incoming Artistic Director in all my capacities to ensure a gentle and seamless transition into the Festival’s new chapter.
But for now, we remain dedicated and impassioned in our mission to realise this year’s anniversary programme—an edition that has already received an outpouring of support and enthusiasm from thousands of attendees, a response that both humbles and moves us deeply.
Wishing you all a bright Festival summer!
Katerina Evangelatos
