The Greek National Opera is offering 1,500 unemployed individuals the opportunity to attend the opera Rigoletto at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for free. Aiming to make lyrical art accessible to all, the institution will host those who express interest at the general rehearsal of Giuseppe Verdi’s dark masterpiece, which will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 21:00.

Tickets will be distributed upon presentation of an unemployment card/certificate and ID, and will be available until they run out, at the Greek National Opera’s box office located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (364 Syngrou Ave., Kallithea / tel.: 2130885700), on Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11:00 to 20:00. Each eligible person may receive up to two tickets.

This production, which will be performed for four nights—July 27, 29, 30, and 31, 2025—at the Herodion, will be conducted by the internationally acclaimed maestro Derrick Inouye. The acclaimed direction is by Katerina Evangelatou, Artistic Director of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival.
The set design is by Eva Manidaki, costumes by Alan Hranitelj, choreography and movement by Patricia Apergi, and lighting by Eleftheria Deko. The revival of direction is by Ion Kesoulis, and revival of choreography and movement by Ilias Chatzigeorgiou. Leading roles will be performed by renowned Greek and international soloists.

Rigoletto is one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire. In this work, Verdi turns a new page in his compositional path, delivering a piece with a clear artistic identity and a strong inclination for experimentation. The alternating lyrical and dramatic scenes ensure a fast-paced narrative flow.
The story revolves around the love of Gilda, daughter of the hunchbacked court jester Rigoletto, for the dissolute Duke of Mantua, who disguises himself as a poor student. Seeking revenge for his daughter’s dishonor, Rigoletto plans the Duke’s murder. However, upon learning of her father’s plan, Gilda chooses to save her beloved and sacrifices herself in his place.