At Epidaurus, the ancient open-air stone arena in southern Greece, a groundbreaking performance of Euripides’ “The Trojan Women” took place. This performance, unique not for its storyline but for its inclusivity, was presented by a diverse cast of disabled and non-disabled performers. It marked a historic moment as organizers hailed it as the first fully accessible performance in the 2,300-year history of the theater.
Unlike Homer, who immortalized the journey of warriors returning from Troy, Euripides focused on the plight of the women left in ruins. His play depicts their forced exile and enslavement, shedding light on the suffering beyond the battlefield. On August 2, the performance offered a comprehensive range of accessibility features, ensuring participation for all audience members.
Accessibility services included Braille programs, tactile models, and live audio descriptions for the blind. Deaf attendees followed the play with the help of overhead titles. Additionally, physical modifications enhanced accessibility throughout the site. Greg Polychronidis, a Paralympic gold medalist in attendance, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “Today was a celebration of equality and it should serve as an example for everyone, forever,” he noted.
For performers gracing the stage, standing on this historic site was deeply symbolic. Eirini Kourouvani, a 58-year-old actor using a wheelchair, expressed her profound experience, saying, “It is just grand. I feel my heart opening up as wide as this theater is.” Ioanna-Maria Gertsou, a blind psychologist, attended with her guide dog, Babu. Gertsou highlighted the right to equal access, adding, “We too have the right to attend performances on an equal footing.” She expressed relief that her guide dog remained calm throughout the performance.
The National Theater of Greece, in collaboration with the nonprofit Liminal and supported financially by Greece’s Alpha Bank, made this accessible presentation possible. Argyro Chioti, the artistic director of the National Theater, called for such inclusivity to become the norm. She acknowledged the complexity and planning involved, stating, “This was complex, not simple. It required months of planning. It cost money. And it required very specific organizational expertise.” Yet she stressed the importance of setting these standards for major venues.