From the ancient years Street Theatre is a significant part of theatre art. This year Greece has the opportunity through the 1st International Street Theatre Festival to create an important institution which will elevate street theatre art.

Important theatre masterpieces were born there….

In a place where the contact between all the possible wide audiences and theatre is performed, away from theatre venues and with minimum stage sets, in a place where theatre speech, act and talent dominate without any redundancies. Because, where speech and talent exist redundancies are unnecessary.

Street theatre has always been a nursery for talents. Mostly young people. Those who cannot access easily theatre but they have something to say, can be tested directly in front of the audience to prove their value and put themselves on the spotlight.

The state is obligated to help this effort because it brings out the quality of culture, gives opportunities for talents and a message to the audience.

This is exactly what we do this year for the first time, and we are certain that the audience will embrace the Street Theatre Festival and that it will become an institution.

Culture is a bet which we are all going to win: the organizers, the state and the society.

Street theatre is the point where “protagonists” meet culture.

Embrace it. Enjoy it.

Encourage the artists with your applause.

It is a breath of fresh air for the city. A breath made for all of you. A breath for the theatre. A breath we all need.

Cities which are enjoying theatre have history, are getting stronger and have future.

Put some colour into your dailyness.

Give some meaning into your life.

Enjoy street theatre.

Antonis Samaras

Minister of Culture