Greece's first state theatre company was the Royal Theatre, which was founded in 1901 and operated until 1908. It was reestab ... lished under the name National Theatre in 1930 and opened for the public in March 1932. The National Theatre of Greece, during its 90 years of existence, has succeeded in creating a powerful theatrical tradition. The repertory of the National Theatre aims at polyphony, promoting a dialogue between tradition, present and future. The revival of Ancient Greek Drama remains a key area of interest for the National Theatre in an effort to combine respect for tradition with new trends. In 1938 the National Theatre of Greece performed its first open-air production of ancient drama, Sophocles’ Electra; the first performance after centuries at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In 1955 the NTG established the Festival of Epidaurus. Today, there are six venues in the National Theatre in Ziller Building, in Rex Theatre and the School of Athens – Irene Papas (open-air venue). The National Theatre is always open to collaborations with theatres and artists - tours, joint productions with major theatres abroad, participation in international festivals, educational programs, invitations to important contemporary artists; these are all part of the effort to broaden an already established network. Since 2009 the NTG has also been a member of the European Theatre’s Union. The Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece is the dramaturg – translator Erie Kyrgia. read more