by Stathis Grapsas
DOG TAGS
Centre for Drug-Addict Prisoners “EPILOGI”, Eleonas/Thebes
A group of men emerges from the fields—exiled, driven out, on the run. They burst into the venue. The surroundings seem familiar—not threatening, yet unsettling. Here, they are about to confront the truths of their lives. As they attempt to break away from what confines them, they realise the enormous effort and courage required. Only by reconciling with the past can they move forward. Only through self-acceptance can they begin to accept others. Their lives are shaped by encounters that have defined them—with loved ones who support them, with those they’ve hurt or betrayed, and with those they once ignored.
A “dog tag” is the metallic ID worn by soldiers during wartime to provide identification in the event of serious injury or death. As director Stathis Grapsas notes, “In our times, we witness a shocking rise in the number of collateral losses during armed conflicts—a figure that is silently, almost indifferently accepted. In our performance, the IDs—or otherwise Dog Tags—are not meant for those who carry a weapon or confront an ‘enemy,’ but for those who struggle daily for their survival and dignity.”
Under the guidance of motivator–director Stathis Grapsas, nineteen inmates at the Therapeutic Centre for Drug-Addict Prisoners “EPILOGI”, Eleonas/Thebes—who also participate in the Personal Development Workshop for Inmates, an initiative implemented by the National Theatre of Greece—have co-created the deeply intimate and interactive theatrical work DOG TAGS.
Over three weekends (July 19–20, 26–27 and August 2–3), Festival audiences will have the rare opportunity to visit the Therapeutic Centre at Thebes and witness DOG TAGS, with all proceeds going to the Centre’s Fund for Indigent Inmates.
To mark its seventieth year of unwavering contribution to culture, the Athens Epidaurus Festival takes a bold step by including a theatrical performance in its anniversary programme, featuring a cast exclusively comprised of prison inmates. Committed to inclusivity and ensuring a vital space for every voice to be heard and expressed—especially those on the margins—the Festival unveils a new production with profound social impact.
The first public presentation of DOG TAGS marks the culmination of the annual Personal Development Workshop for Inmates, implemented by the National Theatre of Greece, under the artistic supervision of Stathis Grapsas.
The performance will be followed by a discussion with the audience.
The Athens Epidaurus Festival will provide return transportation to the site for Saturday performances. Seating is limited, and reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Starting point: Syntagma https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMEHcSyg3xiumN4S6
15.30.
We would like to inform all audience members wishing to attend the theatrical event DOG TAGS that, in accordance with the protocol of the Therapeutic Centre for Drug-Addict Prisoners “EPILOGI”, Eleonas/Thebes, an identity verification and cross-checking procedure is mandatory for entry into the prison premises. Identity cards and mobile phones of all attendees will be collected and securely stored upon entry and returned after the performance concludes.
Upon purchasing a ticket, all audience members must provide their ID card number to facilitate the necessary identity verification upon arrival at the Centre. Please ensure that you complete the relevant field, as this is a requirement for finalising the ticket purchase.
Finally, audience members travelling to the Centre by private vehicle are kindly requested to ensure their timely arrival. It is recommended that attendees arrive well in advance so the cross-checking procedure can be completed within the allotted timeframe.
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Duration 45΄
Centre for Drug-Addict Prisoners “EPILOGI”, Eleonas/Thebes
- 19/07 until 20/07/2025 at 18:00
- 26/07 until 27/07/2025 at 18:00
- 02/08 until 03/08/2025 at 18:00
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Opera | Music | Theatre | grape | subset | Dance | Education | Αναβίωση | Classical music | Performance | Contemporary music | Contemporary Ancients | Premiere | Greek Debut
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus | Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus | Peiraios 260 | Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center | Lycabettus Theatre | Greek Art Theatre Karolos Koun | Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus | Exhibition Hall | Athens Conservatoire | Centre for Drug-Addict Prisoners “EPILOGI”, Eleonas/Thebes | Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre Pireos 254 Tavros
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