Kevin Spacey performing in Epidaurus

The Athens-Epidaurus Festival has recently released its Schedule for Summer 2011. For the 5th consecutive year, the festival is under the artistic direction of Giorgos Loukos, who seems very optimistic about this year's activities. He claimed that the lower budget of the festival has not affected the quality of the program. In contrary, he thought it was a chance to present new things and offer to some unknown, experimental artistic teams the opportunity to reveal their talent. Moreover, Mr Pavlos Geroulanos, the Greek Minister of Culture, focused on the international aspect of the festival showing his great respect and enthusiasm. This summer, the Epidaurus Festival will host several Greek plays, unfortunately a smaller number compared to 2010 due to the economical difficulties. The long-awaited program includes five classical Greek plays, presented by famous Greek actors. However, this year's highlight is the performance of Kevin Spacey, one of Hollywood's best actors, who will come to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, under the directive guidance of Sam Mentes, holding the role of Richard III, in the magnificent historical play of William Shakespeare. This play will take place on July 29th and 30th, 2011, and will certainly attract the international interest. The festival includes many other theatrical plays, musical concerts and exhibitions that will be presented in various venues both in Athens and Epidaurus, such as in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the Little Theatre of Epidaurus, the Herodeion Theatre, the Benaki Museum and others.