National Theatre of Northern Greece (Thessaloniki, Greece)
National Theatre of Northern Greece
The National (or State) Theatre of Northern Greece, an institution promoting theatrical plays in Thessaloniki and northern Greece, was founded in 1961 by Sokratis Karantinos, its first director. The Drama School and the Dance Theatre are integral parts of the National Theatre. The first base of the institution was the building of the Royal Theatre (Thessaloniki) but in 1962 was transferred to the current building.
The National Theatre of Northern Greece was established in Thessaloniki in 1961. Then led by an outstanding playwright, director Sokratis Karadinos, the NTNG became the first Greek theatre to establish an alternate repertory. In its over fifty years of existence, the NTNG has staged more than four hundred plays. Its repertory unites classical and contemporary plays from around the world and is also committed to the promotion of contemporary Greek authors. Furthermore, it pays particular attention to productions for young audiences.
The NTNG presents its productions throughout Greece and abroad, not only in the context of international festivals. The theatre has worked with the most famous artists of the country. Since 1982 it has been housing a resident dance company called “Aenaon Dance Theatre”, whose first artistic director was Daniel Lommel, a former principal dancer of Maurice Béjart. Another key activity of the theatre is its School of Dramatic Art, established in 1973. The NTNG is subsidized by the Greek Ministry of Culture.