National Theatre of Northern Greece
Thessaloniki
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The National Theatre of Northern Greece (NTNG) plays a vital role in the region’s cultural life. It was established on January 13, 1961, with its first-ever performance being Sophocles' Oedipus Rex at the Ancient Theatre of Philippi during the summer of the same year. Sokratis Karantinos, a renowned theatre director and critic, served as its first director, while writer Giorgos Theotokas was its inaugural president. Initially based in the Royal Theatre, the NTNG soon relocated to its current headquarters in the complex of the Society of Macedonian Studies on Ethnikis Amynis street in 1962.

Since its inception, the NTNG has focused on presenting Greek and international plays, staging ancient dramas in open-air and historical venues, and organizing cultural events. The theatre was the first in Greece to introduce repertory performances and has also offered educational programs through its Drama School, established in 1973. Over the decades, it expanded its activities to include a Children’s Theatre Stage (1977) and a Dance Theatre (1982), though the latter is now inactive.

Today, the NTNG operates under a framework established in 1994, with a seven-member Board of Directors and an Artistic Director, currently Asterios Peltekis. It is subsidized by Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is a member of prestigious organizations like the Union of the Theatres of Europe and the International Theatre Institute.

Key Venues

The NTNG is home to multiple venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and functionality. Some of them:

  1. Theatre of the Society for Macedonian Studies. Located in the NTNG’s main complex, this theatre has a capacity of 668 seats. Designed by architect Vasileios Kassandras in 1951, the building reflects Thessaloniki’s post-war modernization and stands near the iconic White Tower. The theatre was inaugurated in 1962 with Angelos Sikelianos’ Sibylla. Renovated as part of Thessaloniki’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 1997, it remains a central stage for NTNG productions.
  2. Foyer of the Theatre of the Society for Macedonian Studies. Adjacent to the main theatre, this smaller venue offers a more intimate experience with a capacity of 118 seats.
  3. Royal (Vasiliko) Theatre. Located at White Tower Square, this theatre features 683 seats, a state-of-the-art stage with a 10-meter sub-stage, and advanced technical facilities. Built in 1940 by architect Konstantinos Doxiadis, it initially served as the NTNG’s first home in 1961. Renovated in 2000, it continues to host major theatrical productions, concerts, and other events in its main hall, with its spacious foyer often used for exhibitions.

Cultural contribution

The NTNG’s influence extends far beyond its stages. Over the years, it has organized exhibitions, conferences, festivals, and educational programs, all aimed at enriching the cultural fabric of Northern Greece.

Since 2022, the NTNG has introduced “Rainbow Sundays,” a series of parallel activities addressing socially relevant topics through lectures, workshops, and activities for children. These events are free and designed to encourage open dialogue and community engagement within the arts.