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Greek protesters occupy National Theatre, Athens

by Teacher Dude | December 19, 2008 at 11:50 pm

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Just minutes after the curtains went up, demonstrators seized the stage of the National Theatre, Athens yesterday evening and read out a prepared statement demanding the immediate release of all those arrested in the recent events following the killing of Greek teenager, Alexis Grigoropulos by police two weeks ago. The protesters also called upon the audience to join them in the streets shouting", Turn off your cell phones, turn on your conscience."

The performance of Roberto Succo by Bernard -Marie Koltes was cancelled in a gesture of solidarity by actors and theatre staff with the young protesters.

In addition a massive protest concert was held yesterday outside the Athens university campus where thousands watched 64 groups and singers perform until early hours of Saturday morning.

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Paschen

at 02:53 on December 20th, 2008

Thank you for keeping on this and reporting it with out interruption.

poor oligarch (not verified)

at 03:24 on December 20th, 2008

The text distributed to the audience and actors read, among others: “now that you’ve deactivated your mobile phones, it’s about time you activated your consciousness”. Once hitting the streets, the crowd quickly formed an impromptu demonstration through central Athens...The cast and director refused to continue the play, in solidarity with our struggle. Yesterday, a similar action took place at the Athens concert hall.