International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama – Cyprus 2026

Background & History

• Origins: The International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama was founded in 1997 by the Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute (CCOITI), following a proposal by then-director Nicos Shafkalis. It aimed to elevate the presence of ancient Greek drama in Cyprus’s cultural landscape.
• Tradition and Significance: This annual festival celebrates the timeless relevance of ancient Greek drama, a cornerstone of European theatre and world cultural heritage. It fosters cross-cultural dialogue by presenting performances in various languages, reflecting the performers’ cultural identities.
• Growth Over Time: Since its inception, the festival has grown from a local initiative to a globally recognized event, hosting over 135 theatre companies from more than 24 countries, including Greece, Italy, Germany, Russia, China, and the USA. It now attracts thousands of local and international spectators annually.
• Cultural Impact: The festival promotes Cyprus as a cultural hub, bridging ancient texts with contemporary interpretations. It has been honored with the EFFE Label (2015–2021) as one of Europe’s finest festivals and was part of the “European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017” program and the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage.
• Educational and Social Reach: By offering surtitles in Greek and English, the festival ensures accessibility for diverse audiences. It also engages local communities through bus tours with theatre experts, fostering education and appreciation of ancient Greek drama.
• Organizational Structure: Co-organized by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and CCOITI, with past involvement from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (1997–2024), the festival continues to expand its international collaborations and artistic scope.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • The Bacchae by Euripides (Italy, Dide Cultural Association – Amenanos Festival): Directed by Daniele Salvo, this production explores Euripides’ savage world with a select Italian cast, performed on July 9 (Makarios III Amphitheatre) and July 12 (Curium Ancient Theatre).
  • Philoctetes by Sophocles (Greece, Methexis Theatre Productions): Directed by George Kimoulis, this tragedy examines morality versus expediency, staged on July 18–19 (Curium Ancient Theatre).
  • Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides (Cyprus, Theatriki Stegi Kyprou & Anyhow Theatre Ensemble): Directed by Onisiforos Onisiforou, this Cypriot production highlights sibling bonds, performed on July 24–25 (Paphos Ancient Odeon) and July 29 (Makarios III Amphitheatre).
  • Electra by Sophocles (Greece, Poreia Theatre): Directed by Dimitri Tarlow, featuring Loukia Michalopoulou as Electra, staged on August 1–2 (Curium Ancient Theatre).
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Performances in open-air amphitheatres, such as the historic Curium Ancient Theatre and Paphos Ancient Odeon, enhance the authentic experience of ancient Greek drama.
  • All productions include Greek and English surtitles, ensuring accessibility for international and local audiences.
  • Bus tours from Nicosia to Curium Ancient Theatre (for Philoctetes and Electra) include theatre experts who provide analysis and context, enriching the audience experience.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Immersive settings in Cyprus’s archaeological sites, blending ancient architecture with modern performances.
  • Opportunity to engage with diverse cultural interpretations of Greek classics, from Italian to Cypriot perspectives.
  • Educational talks and post-performance discussions with directors and actors, often held at venues like Makarios III Amphitheatre.
  • Festival pass offering access to multiple performances, encouraging visitors to explore the full program.

Date & Duration

• Dates: To be announced

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue / Location

• City: Multiple cities in Cyprus (Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos)
• Main Venues:
  • Curium Ancient Theatre: Located in Episkopi, Limassol, a 2nd-century BC Roman amphitheatre with stunning sea views, hosting The Bacchae (July 11), Philoctetes (July 17–18), and Electra (July 31 – August 1).
  • Paphos Ancient Odeon: A 2nd-century AD venue in Kato Paphos, hosting Iphigenia in Tauris (July 23–24).
  • Makarios III Amphitheatre: A modern open-air venue in Nicosia, hosting The Bacchae (July 8) and Iphigenia in Tauris (July 28).
• Notable Areas:
  • Curium’s archaeological site offers a historic ambiance with limited parking; shuttle buses from Agios Ermogenis are provided.
  • Paphos Ancient Odeon’s entrance on Galatiani Street is near the port, with guided parking by festival staff.
  • Makarios III Amphitheatre features modern facilities, including accessible seating and restrooms.
• Google Maps Address: 38 Regaena str, 1010 Nicosia, Cyprus (CCOITI office, festival headquarters)

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via soldoutticketbox.com.
  • On-site at venue box offices, subject to availability; advance purchase recommended.
  • Group sales (10+ persons) via email: ticketing@soldoutticketbox.com.
  • Free passes for people with disabilities and CCOITI members booked by calling +357 7000 2414 (at least 7 days prior).
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for regular, concession, and festival pass tickets; free for people with disabilities and CCOITI members with pre-booked passes.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Regular Ticket: $16.20 (€15).
  • Concession Ticket: $10.80 (€10, for students, senior citizens, National Guard, large families, unemployed; ID required).
  • Festival Pass: $54.00 (€50, valid for four performances, non-concession only).
  • Group Sales: $12.96 (€12 per person, 10+ tickets).
  • Bus Ticket (Nicosia to Curium): $3.24 (€3, round-trip, must be purchased 10 days in advance).
  • Free Admission: $0 (people with disabilities with pre-booked pass, CCOITI members with 2026 membership).
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free admission for eligible groups).
  • Maximum: $54.00 (festival pass).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Accessible seating for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired visitors; contact +357 7000 2414 to arrange.
  • Festival pass offers access to multiple performances, ideal for enthusiasts.
  • No formal VIP seating, but prime seats can be secured with early booking for regular or festival pass tickets.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: info@ccoiti.org.cy
  • Ticketing: ticketing@soldoutticketbox.com
  • Press: press@greekdramafest.com
  • Accessibility/Volunteers: info@ccoiti.org.cy
• Phone:
  • General Inquiries: +357 7000 2414
  • CCOITI Office: +357 2267 4918
• Website: greekdramafest.com, soldoutticketbox.com (ticketing)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @greekdramafest
  • Facebook: @GreekDramaFest
  • Twitter/X: @GreekDramaFest
• Key Staff:
  • Artistic Coordinator: Not specified; contact CCOITI for details.
  • Organizers: Cyprus Centre of the International Theatre Institute and Department of Contemporary Culture, Deputy Ministry of Culture.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email press@greekdramafest.com for media accreditation and releases.
  • Volunteers: Email info@ccoiti.org.cy for opportunities (details TBD closer to 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English and Greek support available.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • The festival upholds the legacy of ancient Greek drama, presenting timeless works by Euripides and Sophocles in historic and modern amphitheatres.
  • It fosters a dialogue between ancient texts and contemporary cultures, with each country’s troupe infusing performances with unique cultural elements.
• Music:
  • Traditional Greek choruses and music accompany performances, often using ancient instruments like the aulos or lyre in modern interpretations.
  • Soundscapes enhance the dramatic atmosphere, tailored to each production’s cultural style (e.g., Italian or Cypriot influences).
• Costumes:
  • Actors wear period-inspired costumes, such as Greek chitons, himations, and masks, adapted to reflect modern or cultural aesthetics (e.g., Italian avant-garde or Cypriot minimalist designs).
  • Choruses often feature elaborate, symbolic attire to emphasize their narrative role.
• Local Customs:
  • Audiences are encouraged to arrive early (by 8:00 PM) to respect the sacred nature of archaeological venues and engage in pre-show discussions.
  • Post-performance socializing in nearby tavernas or cafes is common, reflecting Cyprus’s communal culture.
  • Respectful behavior, such as no photography or food in venues, aligns with preserving the historical sites.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers, available at food stalls near venues, especially in Paphos and Limassol.
  • Halloumi: Grilled or fried Cypriot cheese, a festival favorite at nearby tavernas.
  • Loukoumades: Honey-drizzled dough balls, sold at pop-up stalls during performances.
  • Meze: A platter of small dishes (hummus, tzatziki, dolmades) served at local restaurants post-show.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Commandaria: Cyprus’s sweet dessert wine, offered at venue bars or nearby cafes.
  • Zivania: A traditional Cypriot spirit, available in moderation at local tavernas.
  • Frappe: Iced coffee, popular for evening events in Cyprus’s warm climate.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Fresh orange juice and herbal teas at venue stalls.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Larnaca International Airport (LCA): 40 miles from Nicosia, 85 miles from Limassol, 30 miles from Paphos; 45–90 minutes by taxi ($50–$100) or shuttle ($10–$20).
  • Paphos International Airport (PFO): 10 miles from Paphos Ancient Odeon, 40 miles from Limassol; 15–60 minutes by taxi ($20–$60).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Intercity buses (intercity-buses.com) connect Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos ($5–$10). Local buses in Paphos (e.g., Route 615) serve the Ancient Odeon ($2).
  • Festival Bus: Round-trip from Nicosia to Curium Ancient Theatre for Philoctetes and Electra ($3.24, book 10 days in advance).
  • Taxi: Cyprus Taxis (+357 7777 7474) offer rides to venues ($10–$30).
• Parking:
  • Curium Ancient Theatre: Limited parking; shuttle buses from Agios Ermogenis after 8:40 PM.
  • Paphos Ancient Odeon: Parking on Galatiani Street, guided by festival staff.
  • Makarios III Amphitheatre: Ample parking in Nicosia; book via venue website ($5–$10/day).
• Accessibility:
  • All venues are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and reserved seating.
  • Assistance dogs permitted; contact info@ccoiti.org.cy for arrangements.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol: 5 miles from Curium, 5-star with sea views, $150–$300/night.
  • Elysium Hotel Paphos: 1 mile from Paphos Ancient Odeon, luxury resort, $180–$350/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Hilton Nicosia: Near Makarios III Amphitheatre, modern comfort, $100–$200/night.
  • Almyra Hotel Paphos: Near Ancient Odeon, stylish design, $90–$180/night.
• Budget Options:
  • CityCentre Rooms Nicosia: Central, affordable, $40–$80/night.
  • Pyramos Hotel Paphos: Near fairground, basic and cozy, $30–$70/night.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos offer apartments ($50–$150/night) near venues.
  • Book early for July–August due to high tourist demand.
• Booking Tips:
  • Check visitcyprus.com for festival packages.
  • Stay in Paphos for proximity to Ancient Odeon or Limassol for Curium access.

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