The Greek National Opera will present Luigi Cherubini’s opera Medea at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus on 20 June 2026, in a unique performance that reimagines the legendary 1961 production directed by Alexis Minotis, with sets and costumes designed by Yannis Tsarouchis, choreography created by Maria Hors, and Maria Callas starring in the title role. Tickets for this performance are on sale, and will be available at the GNO Box Office and online via more.com.

In the context of the 2025/26 season’s thematic focus, which explores the concept of ‘the opera of the future that arises from the womb of the past’, the Greek National Opera has decided to stage a reimagined version of the 1961 Medea production, using contemporary materials. Through director Alexis Minotis’ notebooks, Tsarouchis’ designs, and the rich photographic material surviving from Callas’ iconic performances in Epidaurus, an attempt will be made to recreate the original production as conceived and presented by those legendary artists who have left their mark on Greek culture.

Following the closure of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for restoration work, the GNO continues the great tradition of summer opera productions, this time at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, sixty-five years after it last presented an opera there and for the first time in the 21st century.

For the reimagining of the historic production of 1961, GNO Artistic Director Giorgos Koumendakis has formed a new creative team, consisting of Panaghis Pagoulatos (stage director), Lili Pezanou (sets), Tota Pritsa (costumes), and Christos Tziogkas (lighting), aiming to offer contemporary audiences a rare opportunity to experience a landmark work of Greek culture.

The title role will be performed by the renowned Italian dramatic soprano Anna Pirozzi, with Jean-François Borras as Giasone, Tassis Christoyannis as Creonte, Alisa Kolosova as Neris, and Danae Kontora as Glauce.

A few words about the historic production of 1961
In 1961, Maria Callas accepted the invitation from Costis Bastias, the founding director of the Greek National Opera, to perform Medea at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a year after her first appearance at the Argolic Theatre in Norma. Medea—originally presented by Cherubini in Paris in 1797—is one of the operas that Callas had already reintroduced to 20th-century audiences since 1953 in Florence. 

When, in 1958, the newly founded opera in Dallas commissioned her for a new production of Medea, Callas requested that it be directed by Alexis Minotis, a Greek director associated with ancient Greek tragedy like no other. Despite his initial hesitations, due to his lack of experience in opera, and thanks to the persistence of the leading Greek actress Katina Paxinou, Minotis accepted. He also proposed the renowned Greek painter Yannis Tsarouchis as the set and costume designer. The Dallas premiere was met with unprecedented success, with rave reviews speaking of a ‘supernatural yet at the same time humane Callas’, ‘a rejuvenating air of Minotis’ staging’ and ‘the 130 unique costumes by Tsarouchis, made in Greece’.

In 1959, Medea was performed at the Royal Opera House in London with the same creative team, and on 6 and 13 August 1961, the production was staged at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.

For the open-air space of Epidaurus, Minotis recrafted the direction, wanting, as he had said, to ‘recover as much as possible the function of the myth according to the ancient model without, however, neglecting the famous composer’s music not for the least’. At the same time, Tsarouchis adapted the set and created new costumes for the overall 250 people present on stage. The performances in Epidaurus were conducted by Nicola Rescigno. Alongside Callas performed Giuseppe Modesti, Soula Glantzi, Jon Vickers, Kiki Morfoniou, Yorgos Zakkas, Angeliki Drakopoulou, and Anna Maragaki.

The cycle of this legendary production concluded in 1962 at La Scala in Milan, where the demanding audience gave a standing ovation not only to Maria Callas—in her final performance of this role—but also to the entire production team.