Athens
comes alive after dark with a range of activities to fill your diary. However,
you'll probably need to alter your normal routine to enjoy it as the locals
do. Theatre performances are followed by a late leisurely dinner, often
after 11 pm, and if you intend to head out to a nightclub, don't expect
to start until around midnight. Even if you only want to sample the delights
of Greek tavernas and perhaps stroll around Plaka,
the real atmosphere starts after 9pm, when Greek families come out to eat.
If you can hold your appetite that long you'll have a much more authentic
experience.Theatre
Ancient Greeks were credited with inventing drama and comedy in the theatre, and this tradition carries on into the present. The city boasts around 50 theatres and the season lasts from October to May. Most of the performances are in Greek.
Hellenic Festival
The Athens Festival runs from May to September with a full program of cultural events ranging from choral concerts to dance recitals, with performances aimed at visitors as well as Athenians. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, near the Akropolis, holds
classical performances on summer evenings. This is perhaps your greatest
opportunity to view a performance as the ancients did.
Lycabettus Theatre, on Lycabettus
Hill, holds regular summer performances and is internationally oriented.
The National Theatre and Concert Hall,
more commonly known as The Megaron,
is situated on Vas. Sofias, next
to the Megaro Mousikis Metro station.
It has a program of new and established works in addition to choral, opera
and other musical performances by Greek and inter national musicians and
dance groups.
Sound and Light Show
The history of the Acropolis is brought
to life through dancing lights, informative narration and the surrounding
darkness really allows you to study the beauty of the Parthenon.
This is a must for all visitors. Performances take place nightly May to
October in English at 9pm.
Traditional Music and Dance
Greece has a rich legacy of folk dance and music. Dora
Stratou Folk Dance Theatre
presents performances of traditional Greek song, dance and music at a
traditional "folk-village"-type auditorium on Philopappou
Hill from May to September, daily except Mondays.
