Classical performances at the ancient theater are usually given Friday and Saturday and sometimes 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 20€ to 60€. 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). You can sometimes buy tickets (if available) for that night's performance or future performances at the box office at the theater of Epidaurus (tel. 27530/22-026). Most of Nafplion's travel agencies sell tickets on the day of a performance. The ancient tragedies are usually performed either in classical or modern Greek; programs (6€) 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).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.