Theatre Heaven

So the other day, honestly I can't remember which- they have all blended together. We decided to go to 4 glorious cities outside of Athens:

Corinth

Epidaurus

Mycenae

Nafplio

And each had their own beautiful distinct feature, Corinth the giant canal stretching miles of gorgeous blue ocean that makes me ( very much afraid of heights) want to jump off the bridge in to the peaceful water.

But one feature of these 4 will stand out for me- the theatre at Epidurus.

In Mycanae we travelled through a museum, explored the Lion's Gate ( see link)

http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Lion_Gate.html

and following that, explored excavations cites that had led to development of history, artifacts and museum additions for Greece.

(http://www.utexas.edu/courses/introtogreece/lect4/aMyceneGraveCirRe0008020005.gif)

Grave Circle A is there. The wind was so mighty that in a moment of picture taking, my white H&M fedora fell off my head- right into the restricted area. It was about a meter down from us and to the left there was a winding road that led down there, barred by a large "DO NOT ENTER" sign. It was a difficult choice, but I wandered down the walkway, as my hat was unmoving in the wind, hidden from it's extent in the ruins below, tiptoed through the ruins that apparently were not to be touched- though only a few stones peeked out from grass and sand, and then sprinted back up the hill. Fedora achieved and a very scandalous wind.

In Nafplio we indulged in a mouthwateringly amazing meal. Calamari, kebab and boiled vegetables. Following lunch, we headed up the street to a gelato place. We had ITALIAN ice cream in GREECE. However, the owner spoke french, italian and greek, so it was hard to know exactly what he really was- but the place claimed to be authentic. After that ( I had black berry as well as melon gelato) we travelled to an old castle, made by the Venetians. Then it had been used as a prison and now of course- stands as a tourist area.

From a theatre, acting and historical perspective- Epidaurus was sheer bliss for me. I have never been more elated then when I stepped into the giantess amphitheater. The sheer echo of the place brought chills to my skin. Standing in the middle reciting a very cheesy ( but I could think of NO GREEK LINES, even though I've listened to Medea countless times, studied Lysistrata and been in the chorus (twice) for Antigone, only Shakespeare, oh good old Will, came to mind) "TO BE OR NOT TO BE" can be heard through out the entirety of the seats.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518km7NENyL.jpg)

Similarly, sitting at the very top, my simple clap echoes and seems to shake the theatre. I wish I could perform there. It sent inspirational chills up my spine. to make the whole thing complete, after wards, I purchased a Tragedy/Comedy masks set.

The significance of Greece on theatre cannot be overlooked (if my IB theatre class taught me anything). It was the most spectacular theatre of my life. I sincerely wish I have the pleasure of going back someday, seeing a show there would be bliss and performing there would bring me such unimaginable joy, it would not be able to be described in words.

NOW, READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE:

http://www.indigoguide.com/greece/epidaurus.htm

And I hope one day you too will be able to travel to a place that speaks to the core of your hearts content.