Greek director Vangelis Theodoropoulos to head festival after Fabre resignation

Director Vangelis Theodoropoulos has been appointed artistic director of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival following the abrupt resignation of Belgian multidisciplinary artist Jan Fabre.

Born in Athens in 1953, Theodoropoulos worked as an actor until establishing the Neos Kosmos Theater in 1997.

The veteran director faces the daunting task of putting together a program on a tight budget and limited timeframe before the start of Greece’s most prestigious festival which traditionally kicks off late May.

Fabre resigned from his position over the weekend citing a “hostile artistic environment” for his decision. Greek artists had earlier protested to his announcement that this year’s event would focus almost exclusively on Belgian works.

In a statement, Culture Minister Aristides Baltas said Fabre's decision was “the result of a coordinated attack by political parties, the media and a section of the artistic community.”

Fabre had been appointed by Baltas following the controversial dismissal of Giorgos Loukos.