Epidaurus International Theatrical Festival 1954

[Ionia]

Epidaurus International Theatrical Festival 1954
Διεθνές Θεατρικόν Φεστιβάλ ᾿Επιδαύρου ,ΑλΝΔ'
​

As has been done every year for hundreds of years the Ionian Confederacy hosts the 2 week long International Theatrical Festival in the Ancient Theater of the City State of Epidaurus. Every Ionian Canton and every foreign country may submit up to three plays. These plays have to be of their own origin and not written by a foreign writer. Plays from all cultures, nations and writers regardless of sex, nationality, political or religious views and other personal criteria are accepted. The plays however will have to be of top quality and may be rejected if deemed non fitting, though that is rarely done. The various nations will not have to worry about funding as very wealthy Ionians are legally obliged to help cover the expenses of the various plays. The judges will be made up of 3 randomly selected Ionian and 3 randomly selected foreign candidates. Each country may submit up to one of each genre of plays (Drama, Comedy, Satire).

Sign up form:

Country & City of Origin: ex. Ionia, Athenai
Name of Play: ex. Ornithai (The Birds)
Genre: ex. Comedy
Writer: ex. Aristophanes Philipou
Main Actors: ex. Periandros Periaktou, Nikolaos Lacedemonos, Demosthenes Romios
Plot Summary: ex. After realising that Irene, the Goddess of Peace, has been stolen by Ares, the God of War, and War is coming to Athenai two brave Ionians, and many more characters they meet along the way, embark on an epic quest to rescue her and restore peace.
Estimated Cost: ex. 500,000 ₯
Judge Candidate: ex. Themestocles Neocleous

 

[Serenierre]

GOVERNMENT OF BELMONT
MINISTRY OF CULTURE

We do not believe that this event is in the interests of furthering Belmontien culture. Firstly, this event shall, by virtue of its funding by wealthy Ionians, be an exclusive event reserved for the Ionian upper class. Secondly, the mechanism being suggested for the selection of plays is entirely arbitrary and dependent of Ionian approval of the scripts, thus weakening the claim that plays representative of all viewpoints are welcome. Thirdly, we are of the opinion that the format of the jury continues to place an undue advantage for the propagation of Ionian values and culture. It is for these reasons why we refuse to participate in this festival. Furthermore, we advise any participant to also review the points that we have raised.

 

[Ionia]

Ionian Confederacy - Ministry of Culture

The event is open to everyone, and it has been so for hundreds of years. By having rich Ionians pay for it we were hoping to relive you of the costs and allow all nations, even economically weak ones to participate and actively compete. The scripts are not the reason for rejection, things such as extreme violence, racist or sexual content would be the reasons for a play to be rejected. The three Ionian judges are there because each Canton sends a play separately, as originally this was a domestic Ionian contest. Sadly we Ionians are divided enough between ourselves that the jury would probably prefer a foreign play to that of another Canton, whcih is usually the case. We hope that we have relived your concerns. If not please feel free to make suggestions on how you believe the event should be organised and we would do our best to implement them.

 

[Serenierre]

GOVERNMENT OF BELMONT
MINISTRY OF CULTURE

We question the right of the Ionian Government to deem which play is suitable and which is not. By placing restrictions on creativity this festival is shown to be a farce meant not to share the culture of the world but rather to allow Ionia to put a spectacle for itself. We have strong misgivings about this festival and we are not confident in the ability of the Ionians to deliver a truly international event. This is bound to only support and sustain Ionian cultural norms and values.

 

[Ionia]

Ionian Confederacy - Ministry of Culture

We would like to remind you that there are children watching the plays. I think we agree that extreme physical, sexual and vocal violence are not allowed by any cultural norms. Just like not all plays cannot go to the Scala of Milan, not all plays can go to Eupidaurus, the world's greatest Ancient Theater.