As the world rediscovers ‘The Odyssey,’ disabled actors in Greece explore the pain of war

In Greece, a troupe of performers with and without disabilities are bringing a fresh perspective to the ancient tale of war and suffering. Their production of Euripides' "The Trojan Women," staged at the historic Epidaurus Theater, marks a groundbreaking moment in the theater's 2,300-year history. This is the first time the ancient amphitheater has offered full accessibility for all attendees.

The performance, which will take place on August 2, features 22 actors, including wheelchair dancer Eirini Kourouvani. Kourouvani, a 58-year-old performer, had never experienced the theater before. She described the experience as "grand" and "my heart opening up as wide as this theater is."

The play, written centuries after Homer's epic, focuses on the women left behind after the fall of Troy. Their stories of exile, enslavement, and hardship were brought to life with a fully accessible performance. Blind audience members received Braille programs and tactile models, while deaf spectators followed along with overhead titles.

The event's accessibility services were praised by Paralympic gold medalist Greg Polychronidis, who attended the performance. He emphasized that it was the first time such a production had been made accessible to everyone. Kourouvani's presence on the ancient stage served as a powerful message, amplifying the voices of those often overlooked in history.