It is the first regional theatre organization ever established in Greece. Born as the Theatre Company of Crete (ETHEK), it was the result of an inspired group of Cretans, with the support of the great theatre figure Alexis Minotis and other renowned Cretan artists such as Manos Katrakis, Manos Hadjidakis, and architect Manos Perrakis. It flourished and spread its influence far beyond Crete, reaching every corner of Greece.

The Theatre Company of Crete was just the beginning. In 2025, its evolution—the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Crete (DIPETHEK)—celebrates its 50th anniversary with a landmark exhibition of museum-level quality titled "DIPETHE Crete – 50 Years of Theatre – A Living Archive." This special event is hosted at the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, organized by the Municipality of Chania, the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, and DIPETHEK, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and co-organized with the Region of Crete.

A Journey Through 50 Years of Theatrical History

With more than 700 exhibits—costumes and stage sets, models, sketches and sculptures, directorial and translation notes, posters, programs, photographs, videos, and audio recordings—the exhibition presents a stunning visual installation covering 129 productions from DIPETHEK’s extensive archive.

Curated by the Artistic Director of DIPETHEK, Efi Theodorou, the exhibition has been designed by internationally acclaimed visual artist and Assistant Professor at the University of Patras, Antonis Volanakis.

Visitors will explore three main periods of the theatre’s history, displayed across the three floors of the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania:

• 1974–1986: Theatre Company of Crete (ETHEK) – Semi-State Theatre of Crete – DIPETHE Chania Crete
• 1986–2000: DIPETHE Crete
• 2001–2024: 21st Century

While the chronological division is evident, the exhibition encourages visitors to wander freely, discovering the theatre’s rich past and unseen aspects of theatrical production. It aims to rekindle memories for older generations and introduce younger ones to this prestigious institution, making each visit a unique experience.

Thematic Routes Through the Exhibition

Instead of a single narrative, the exhibition offers multiple thematic paths, making each visit fresh and inspiring. Some of these include:

• Cretan Theatre: Featuring works by Vitsentzos Kornaros and Georgios Chortatsis, along with the costume worn by Alexis Minotis in DIPETHEK’s debut performance and designs by Laloula Chrysikopoulou for "Stathis," directed by Spyros Evangelatos.
• International Repertoire: Showcasing performances of Molière, Bertolt Brecht, and more, including a video screening of Racine’s "Phèdre" at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus.
• Modern Greek Playwriting: Exploring the works of Kazantzakis, Kitsopoulou, and others, with interactive displays such as trying on costumes from "Captain Michalis" or examining an enlarged handwritten manuscript by Iakovos Kampanellis.
• Ancient Drama: Highlighting Aristophanes, Euripides, and beyond, including a special display of Yiannis Ritsos’ "Ajax", directed by Vasilis Papavassiliou at the Ancient Theatre of Aptera. Visitors can also see how Antonis Kyriakoulis’ sketches transform into stage costumes.
• The Music of Theatre: Featuring original scores, including Christos Leontis' compositions.
• Women in Theatre: Shedding light on pioneering women in playwriting, directing, sound design, scenography, costume design, and lighting.
• Children’s Theatre & Experimental Stage: Exploring original materials from performances for children and adult amateur theatre groups.
• Create Your Own Theatre Map: Allowing visitors to curate their own journey through the exhibits that resonate with them the most.

A Fully Interactive Experience

The exhibition is built on extensive archival research conducted by Antonis Volanakis and his team, ensuring accessibility for both theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The material is presented in a captivating, well-documented, and interactive manner.

Visitors will be able to:

• Try on theatrical costumes
• Pose in a sculptural stage setting
• See the original design plans for the exhibition before its realization

A comprehensive, full-color exhibition catalogue detailing 50 years of productions, curated by Antonis Volanakis, will be published by Kapa Editions.

INFO

📅 Duration: February 15 – April 30, 2025
🎭 Opening Event: February 15, 19:30
📍 Venue: Municipal Art Gallery of Chania (98-102 Chalidon St.)
📞 Tel: +30 2821 3 41680
🌍 Website: www.pinakothiki-chania.gr
📲 Social Media: @MunicipalArtGalleryChania (Facebook & Instagram)

Opening Hours

• Monday: 10:00–14:00
• Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00
• Sunday: 10:00–14:00

Tickets

🎟️ General Admission: €5
🎟️ Reduced Ticket: €2 (Students, unemployed, disabled persons, families with three or more children)
🎟️ Free Entry: Under 18s, ICOM cardholders, Greek Chamber of Fine Arts members
🎟️ Every Tuesday: Free entrance for all

More Information

🔗 DIPETHE Crete: www.dipethekritis.gr
📲 Facebook: @ΔΗΠΕΘΕ Κρήτης
📲 Instagram: @dipethekritis

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the rich theatrical heritage of Crete. Whether you're a theatre lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process, this exhibition promises a fascinating and immersive experience. Don’t miss it!