New institutions supporting theatrical creation, networking, and the connection of theatre-makers in Greece
Synopsis
Through two open calls, the programme selects contemporary Greek dramatic texts for the Competition section (Mikrà Néa Dionysia), presented as live staged readings (“First Reading”) before a committee – audience, along with theatrical proposals (“Pitches”) showcased in pitching sessions.
The programme is complemented by masterclasses, mentoring, talks, interventions and discussions that foster the exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas, with the broader aim of strengthening connections among theatre and cultural practitioners in Greece today.
Works that stand out in the competition progress to the Dramaturgío, a three-month dramaturgy lab for feedback and development, before being presented in the GREEK FOCUS of the international edition of the Dionysia. The work voted first secures direct entry into the Dionysia International competition. The initiative aims to provide a platform for creators to support the development of works ready for the stage and to strengthen the ecosystem of Greek theatre.
Dionysia Greek consists of the following four streams:
i) Distinctions – Competition (Mikrà Néa Dionysia)
Synopsis
A competition for original Greek dramatic writing based on a specific annual theme.
“A three-member committee selects a total of six texts. From these, a newly formed seven-member committee, together with the audience, ranks three of the texts in first, second, and third place based on evaluations during what we call the ‘First Reading.’”
“First Reading” is a presentation of the text through an original process that resembles the first table read at the beginning of rehearsals, with the director acting as a “conductor”, giving live instructions to both actors and a musician who performs live original compositions or musical selections.
All six texts chosen by the initial 3-member committee progress to the Dramaturgío dramaturgy lab and are translated into English and into the language of the festival’s honoured country. The work awarded first prize secures direct participation in Dionysia International, while all six works are presented within the Greek Focus at Dionysia International.
Timeline
Competition (Mikrà Néa Dionysia) 2025
Day 1 — Friday 12/12 — Ypogeio
- Open call for the competition: 9/10–9/11
- Theme for the 2025 Competition: “Let Light Break Through”
- 100 submitted texts
- Selection of six works by a three-member committee on 25/11
- “First Reading” of the top three works on 12/12, with voting by a new committee and the audience at Ypogeio
- Awarding of first, second, and third prize, plus the announcement of three honorary mentions on 14/12 at Ypogeio
ii) Discourse (masterclasses – talks – meetings)
Event description
Masterclasses, mentoring sessions, talks, interventions, and discussions with distinguished guests from the world of theatre aim to cultivate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas, and more broadly to strengthen the discourse among theatre and cultural practitioners.
Timeline
Connection (masterclasses–talks–meetings) 2025
Day 2 — Saturday 13/12 — Ypogeio
- Presentation of the “Dramaturgío” (Eri Kyrgia, Elena Triantafyllopoulou)
- Three masterclasses/talks (Gavriella Triantafylli, Zeta Pasparaki, Nikos Ververidis)
- • Discussion: “Alone, each of us is powerless. Together, perhaps we can accomplish something.” — Karolos Koun: Exploring the strength and dynamics of the theatre ensemble.
- Invited guests:
Thodoris Ambazis, Thanasis Zeritis, Simos Kakalas, Giannis Kakleas, Stathis Livathinos, Nefeli Maistrali, Argyro Chioti, among others.
iii) Development (Pitches – Networking)
Synopsis
An open call invites submissions for pitching session proposals.
Pitches are short presentations delivered before theatre professionals and the audience, in which creators or creative teams present ideas for realisation, works in progress or completed proposals, seeking networking opportunities and especially collaborations and partners for the realisation of their project.
The D Athens team selects a total of twelve proposals. These proposals receive feedback and guidance for development and presented—under the team’s artistic supervision—to invited artistic directors, theatre companies, directors, producers, and organisations, to foster collaborations, partnerships, and secure the funding necessary for their realisation.
Timeline
Networking (Pitches – meetings) 2025
Day 3 — Sunday 14/12 — Ypogeio
- Open call for proposals: 20/10–20/11
- Selection by the D Athens team on 30/11
- Presentation of twelve pitches to guests on 14/12 — Ypogeio
iv) Dramaturgío (dramaturgy lab)
Dramaturgy Lab
Event description
An intensive three-month workshop for dramaturgical feedback and mentoring, where authors work in depth on their texts and receive targeted notes aimed at the meaningful development and maturation of their works. The horizon of this workshop is international: the works are prepared for presentation at the global edition of the festival, Dionysia International, within the Greek Focus. It should be noted that the work awarded first prize earns direct entry into the International Competition of Dionysia International, while all six works are presented in the Greek Focus, gaining a valuable first step into an international environment.
Information
Duration: January–February–March 2025–6
Lead instructors: Eri Kyrgia, Elena Triantafyllopoulou