After a three suspension due to renovations and the coronavirus pandemic, Turks famous Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival opens its doors again for art-lovers. From 24 August to 3 September the ancient theatre hosts the fourth Ephesus international Opera & Ballet Festival. In 2003, because of static problems and restoration operations, the Turkish Ministry of Culture reduced activity in the old theatre. For concerts and shows the theatre was fully shuttered in 2018. The Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata reopened its doors on 24 August.
From 24 August until 3 September, Ephesus Theater is going to host three international events. With a seating capacity of around 24,000 attendees, the more than 2,300 annual theatre will welcome up to 2,400 – 2,500 people in each event due to coronavirus safeguards. Ephesus, first an ancient Greek city, and then an important Roman settlement, near Selcuk today, has a rich cultural history from 6500 BC.
Cengiz Topal, director of the Archaeology Museum in Ephesus, told Anadolu Agency that the antique edifice belongs among the biggest outdoor theatres of Turkey in central Anatolia. Topal said that the old building would be open after a succession of restorations, with the priority of safeguarding visitors and artists. Topal said.
♦ 4 Days Turkey Tour – Cappadocia Ephesus Pamukkale Tour
As part of the fourth International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival – one of the most popular festivals in Turkey, Aydin Ustuk, the director of Izmir State Opera and Ballet, revealed that they are presenting five key pieces.
On 26 August, Efes Odeon will be hosting a Prague Ensemble concert, stated Ustuk. On the 28th of August, in an original choreography, the Carmen Ballet is to be performed in the Ephesus Theatre together with French composer Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen.”
As part of the event, on September 1, the Bornova Asik Veysel Amphitheater will perform an Ankara State Opera, Ballet’s Modern Dance Ensemble and the musical Gangster.