Classical performances at the ancient theater are usually given Saturday and Sunday at around 9pm June through September. Many productions are staged by the National Theater of Greece, some by foreign companies. Ticket prices at press time ranged from 12€ to 35€ ($16-$46). For the latest ticket prices and other information, contact the Hellenic Festival Box Office, 39 Panepestimiou (in the arcade; tel. 210/928-2900; www.hellenicfestival.gr); or the Epidaurus Festival Box Office (tel. 27530/22-006). It's also possible to buy tickets at most of Nafplion's travel agencies and at the theater itself, starting at 5pm on the day of a performance. The ancient tragedies are usually performed either in classical or modern Greek; programs (4€/$5.20) usually have a full translation or synopsis of the play. The excellent Odyssey bookstore in Nafplion usually has English-language translations of the plays.
If you are in Epidaurus in July, check out the delightful Musical July Festival at the Little Theater of Ancient Epidaurus, 7km (4 1/2 miles) from Epidaurus. Performances in the past have ranged from chamber music to flamenco. Information on ticket prices and chartered bus and excursion-boat transportation from Athens is usually available by June from the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis), 1 Kokkali and Vas. Sophias (tel. 210/728-2000; www.megaron.gr); the Greek National Tourism Organization (tel. 210/870-7000; www.gnto.gr); or the Municipality of Palea Epidaurus (tel. 27530/41-250).
