The Greek National Opera will present a new production of Luigi Cherubini’s Medea at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus on June 20th 2026, a reimagining of one of the most significant productions in modern Greek cultural history.
The new staging revisits the historic 1961 production of Medea, which featured Maria Callas in a performance that became a defining moment in the opera’s modern revival. Directed by Alexis Minotis, with sets and costumes by Yannis Tsarouchis and choreography by Maria Hors, the original production was presented at Epidaurus after numerous acclaimed runs abroad. It has since occupied a prominent place in Greece’s cultural identity.
Rather than creating a contemporary reinterpretation of the work, the Greek National Opera has sought to reconstruct the artistic vision of the 1961 staging. The production forms part of the company’s 2025/26 season, which explores the relationship between opera’s past and future under the artistic direction of Giorgos Koumendakis.
GNO MEDEA Epidaurus 1961 – photo by the Greek National Opera Archive
Reviving the 1961 archives
Drawing on Minotis’ staging notebooks, Tsarouchis’ designs, archival photographs, and surviving production materials, director Panaghis Pagoulatos has developed a version that aims to remain faithful to both the original concept and Cherubini’s musical drama. The goal is to revisit the spirit of the landmark staging of Medea, with more contemporary performance conditions.
Set designer Lili Pezanou reconstructed the original Hellenistic-inspired scenery after studying photographs, models, and archival correspondence related to Tsarouchis’ work. Costume designer Tota Pritsa likewise based her designs on surviving costumes from the 1961 production, researching fabrics, textures, and construction techniques to recreate their appearance while accommodating modern performance needs.
The production also revives the choreography of Maria Hors through the work of choreographers Gianna Filippopoulou and Kelly Zambela, while lighting designer Christos Tziogkas has undertaken the challenge of recreating the atmosphere associated with the historic staging.
An homage to a masterpiece
At the center of the opera is Medea, one of classical literature’s most complex and enduring figures. Cherubini’s work, based on Euripides’ tragedy, presents a psychological portrait of a woman driven by betrayal, humiliation, passion, and revenge. Composed in the late 18th century and premiered in Paris in 1797, the opera gained renewed international attention after Maria Callas championed the title role beginning in 1953.
The Greek National Opera has assembled an international cast for the Epidaurus performance. Anna Pirozzi returns to a role she previously performed for the company in 2023. She is joined by French tenor Jean-François Borras as Giasone, Tassis Christoyannis as Creonte, Alisa Kolosova as Neris, and Danae Kontora as Glauce.
The Orchestra and Chorus of the Greek National Opera will perform under the baton of Jacques Lacombe, marking his fourth collaboration with the company.
Accompanying the production is a free exhibition by Callas Point, presented near the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus from June 18th to June 21st. Curated by set designer Dionysis Fotopoulos, the exhibition explores the legacy of the historic 1961 production through visual installations and archival-inspired works.
GNO MEDEA EPIDAURUS_1961 POSTER Greek National Opera Archive
