As it nears the end of its second fully-operational year, the National Centre for Theatre and Dance (EKETHECH) is delighted to be providing the HELIX Company and Nikos Hatzipapas with moral and financial support at the 1st International Street Theatre Festival.

This new institution will be kicking off this year in Athens, but we hope to see it move to other cities around Greece in the years to come; we will certainly be doing everything in our power to support this unique theatrical form which combines artistic creativity with sensitivity, joy and public participation so perfectly.

Since it provides a framework in which artists from around the world can present their work in Athens to Greek theatre-lovers and initiate younger artists into this singular theatrical genre, there is every reason to hope that the 1st Street Theatre Festival will be just the first of a host of similar events.

Moreover, by giving artists from different nations the opportunity to meet and exchange experiences, the Festival should also boost the international viewpoint and presence of Greek artists.

Finally, I hope that the extensive audience participation we are expecting will serve as a unique opportunity for Greek theatre-goers to familiarize themselves more fully with Street Theatre. By expanding the audience base for Street Theatre, especially among young people, the Festival will be playing its part in strengthening a genre which, as I have already noted, uniquely combines joy and sensitivity with powerful art. Which is why it deserves the support of all of us.

Giorgos T. Dragonas

Chairman of the National Centre for Theatre and Dance