Australia will play host to The National Theatre of Greece as it stages its production of Medea in Sydney and Melbourne during May, shortly before it opens in New York in September.

Established in 1930, the National Theatre of Greece has endeavoured to revive the significance of ancient Greek theatre in its homeland and beyond. The authenticity of its productions has been enhanced by the use of Greece's ancient theatres as settings.

In touring Australia the company will be greeted by the country's large Greek community, especially in Melbourne which has the third largest Greek population in the world.

Playing the legendary role of Medea will be Karofyllia Karabeti, one of Greece's leading actresses, acclaimed for her interpretations of Greek tragedy and known in Australia for her role in the Greek television drama Red Dyed Hair.

Medea will be performed in Greek with English subtitles. It will play in Sydney at the State Theatre on May 22, 23 and 24. (Sydney bookings on 61-2 136100). Melbourne performances are at Her Majesty's Theatre on May 29, 30 and 31. (Melbourne bookings on 61-3 136166.) --By Russell Watson
Australia Correspondent