I have not met anyone who does not want to spend a summer in the Mediterranean. They want to swim in small beaches, stroll in the ruins of an ancient city, order an Aperol Spritz and grilled squid. They come from afar, to live a few days in the once slandered, “inefficient,” “backward” Southern Europe. The “eurosummer” is mythologized, romanticized, promoted and becomes a desire or a savings goal.
Greece must play its cards right and change now the way it talks and thinks about accessibility. The good example was set – with a huge delay – by the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus and the National Theater. In Euripides’ play “The Trojans,” directed by Eleni Efthymiou, the performance was fully accessible. Actors with and without disabilities were on stage. There was care for the blind and people with mobility problems in the audience. That’s how it should be.
The Ministry of Culture has been taking the necessary steps in recent years to ensure that archaeological sites, landmarks and prominent theaters are inclusive. However, a lot of work is still needed. The logic that accessibility is the exception and non-accessibility the rule needs to be completely abolished. The false wall between disabled and non-disabled needs to collapse. Our theaters, archaeological sites and museums must learn to routinely welcome people with mobility problems, hidden illnesses etc, with trained staff and proper infrastructure. “The Trojans” was a good start.
