Elefsina: Getting prettier and culturally wealthier
Besides a rich history, Elefsina is also known for hosting significant cultural events. The annual Aeschyleia festival – a title borrowed from Aeschylus, the great master of tragedy born in ancient Eleusis in 525 BC – celebrate 30 years this year. Aeschyleia 2005, is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, September 3, with a wide range of events running to October 8. On the calendar of events is a variety of productions, ranging from the Regional Municipal Theater of Larissa, classical music, documentaries (Phlippos Koutsaftis’s «Mourning Rock,» on the Eleusis site), a National Theater production of «The Acharnians,» Greek and foreign music, jazz, traditional folk music, children’s theater from the Theatro Technis and a photography exhibition. The past few years have seen efforts to make the city more attractive and to draw attention to its rich heritage and history. In early July, for instance, the ancient site of Eleusis was lit by French light expert Pierre Bideau, a project financed by the Titan cement factory. At the same time the state has pledged funds for the erection of a new, 5,000-square-meter archaeological museum. Meanwhile, a new cultural center has also been inaugurated. Formerly a private residence, the building is now serving community life, currently hosting an exhibition of local artist Thanos Tsingos. This year’s Aeschyleia will be taking place on the premises of the Kronos factory, yet another building which has been revamped in the locale of Elefsina.
