AEF2024: The Rite of Spring

The Athens Epidaurus Festival (AEF) is gearing up for a spectacular 2024 edition with 85 days filled with sheer artistic brilliance. From June 1 to August 24, AEF will transform iconic venues across Athens and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus into stages for 93 productions featuring over 2,500 artists from around the world. The Athens leg of the festival concludes on the last day of July, while in August the action moves to Epidaurus, where eager locals pilgrimage for their annual rendezvous with Greek tragedy. Take a look at our highlights for the season and have a great AEF2024!

The Rite of Spring is one of the most pioneering and controversial works in the history of classical music. Composed by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, it was first performed in Paris in 1913, causing quite the stir thanks to its avant-garde style and unconventional rhythm. The plot was also shocking for its time, depicting pagan rituals and the sacrifice of a young maiden to ensure the arrival of spring. 

Fast forward to 1975, Pina Bausch choreographs it and utterly redefines the boundaries of ballet. To this day, it remains her best-known ballet and it is still staged worldwide.

Roger Bernat's new take on Bausch's interpretation goes one step further. With the help of technology (in this case, bluetooth headsets) he turns the audience into active participants inviting them to join the dance.