Mon Repos Theatre reopens after two years
theatre
21 Jun 2018
/ 08:44
CORFU. The open-air theatre in the Mon Repos estate closed two years ago because damage to the wooden seating had made it unsafe.
There were many unfavourable comments at the time as the theatre is basically the only venue that can host summer performances and theatre companies from all over Greece. There were very few performances in the Old Fortress as the economic situation had led to a lack of personnel. So Corfu remained without an open-air venue in the summers of 2016 and 2017.
Funding and repairs to the theatre began in early 2017 but ran up against bureaucracy and the Antiquities Inspectorate as it is considered an archaeological site. So the theatre missed the summer of 2017.
At the beginning of the summer in 2018 Mayor Kostas Nikolouzos, when asked at a press conference on June 7, confirmed that the theatre would be operating this year.
In post yesterday, Akis Heirdaris - on behalf of Corfu DIPETHE (Municipal Regional Theatres) - announced that at their Board meeting the completed project would be handed over by the Municipal Technical Services.
The announcement:
"Dear friends, I'm taking this opportunity to let you know that the 'Rena Vlachopoulou' Theatre at Mon Repos will OPEN. You, quite justifiably, expressed your concern and wrote that it wouldn't open. However, I can tell you specifically that tomorrow's DIPETHE Board meeting the renovated theatre will be handed over to us by the Municipal Technical Services.
In collaboration with the Green Services and the Cultural Event Department the stage and the surrounding area will be cleaned up so that there is a respectable environment for the audience and performers.
The National Youth Committee (ESYN) will be holding its annual Pupils' Festival from Monday 25th June to Friday 29th with performances from Corfu schools.
We will shortly be announcing the summer programme with all the performances being put on at the theatre.
We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding."
Funding and repairs to the theatre began in early 2017 but ran up against bureaucracy and the Antiquities Inspectorate as it is considered an archaeological site. So the theatre missed the summer of 2017.
At the beginning of the summer in 2018 Mayor Kostas Nikolouzos, when asked at a press conference on June 7, confirmed that the theatre would be operating this year.
In post yesterday, Akis Heirdaris - on behalf of Corfu DIPETHE (Municipal Regional Theatres) - announced that at their Board meeting the completed project would be handed over by the Municipal Technical Services.
The announcement:
"Dear friends, I'm taking this opportunity to let you know that the 'Rena Vlachopoulou' Theatre at Mon Repos will OPEN. You, quite justifiably, expressed your concern and wrote that it wouldn't open. However, I can tell you specifically that tomorrow's DIPETHE Board meeting the renovated theatre will be handed over to us by the Municipal Technical Services.
In collaboration with the Green Services and the Cultural Event Department the stage and the surrounding area will be cleaned up so that there is a respectable environment for the audience and performers.
The National Youth Committee (ESYN) will be holding its annual Pupils' Festival from Monday 25th June to Friday 29th with performances from Corfu schools.
We will shortly be announcing the summer programme with all the performances being put on at the theatre.
We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding."
