Thassos Ancient Theater Reopens After 14 Years, Showcasing Marble Restoration

After a remarkable 14-year restoration, the ancient theater of Thassos, a jewel of the North Aegean, has officially reopened its doors to the public. This significant cultural landmark, dating back to the 4th century BC, has been meticulously revitalized, returning to its former glory with a stunning facade of local white marble. The reopening marks a new era for the theater, promising to once again host captivating performances against a backdrop of pine trees and the sparkling sea.

Key Takeaways

• The ancient theater of Thassos has reopened after 14 years of extensive restoration.
• The restoration focused on replacing wooden seating with authentic Thassian white marble.
• The National Theatre's production "Fragments: Euripides" was the inaugural performance.
• The project involved complex technical work, including excavating the seating area from its foundations.
• The restoration is hailed as one of the best of its kind in Greece.

A Monumental Restoration

The restoration of the Thassos ancient theater was a complex and challenging undertaking, described by Stavroula Dadaki, head of the local ephorate for antiquities, as one of the most difficult technical projects in recent years. The project, supervised by archaeologist Konstantina Panousi, involved excavating the theater's koilon (seating area) from its foundations to address structural issues and past damage. Crucially, the dilapidated wooden seating, which had been in place since the 1990s, has been replaced with pure white marble quarried directly from the island. This meticulous work ensures the theater's preservation and its functionality for future cultural events.

A Commitment to Heritage

The ambitious project fulfilled a long-standing commitment to the island's residents. Former mayor Costas Hatzimmanuel spearheaded the effort to restore the theater to its original marble form, promising in 2010 to replace the "rotten plywood" with the island's signature white marble. This vision was realized through the unanimous decision of the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), based on the exceptional work of archaeologist and architect Tony Kozelj. The restoration also aimed to return the theater to its Roman-era phase, enhancing its historical authenticity.

Inaugural Performance and Cultural Significance

The reopening was celebrated with a performance by the National Theatre of Greece, presenting "Fragments: Euripides." This innovative production, part of a broader initiative to promote Greece's ancient theaters, explores excerpts from Euripides' lost plays, discovered on a papyrus in Egypt. The performance, directed by Efthimis Theou, highlighted the theater's renewed capacity to host significant cultural events. The event was a collaboration between the National Theatre, the Diazoma Association for ancient theater renovations, and the Ministry of Culture. Local officials, including Mayor Lefteris Kyriakidis, hailed the reopening as a "historic day" for Thassos, signifying the theater's reintegration into the island's rich cultural tapestry.

Sources

• Ancient Theater of Thasos Again Reopens for Performances, tovima.com.
• Thassos Ancient Theater: A Triumphant Return After 14 Years of Silence, GreekReporter.com.
• Ancient Theater of Thassos, Greece Restored With Shiny White Marble, GreekReporter.com.