THE Ancient Greek tradition of celebrating spring by honouring Dionysos, the god of theatre, wine and vegetation, is to be revived at Kirstenbosch from November –-24 with a festival of theatre, wine tasting, lectures on Ancient Greek culture and garden walks.

The Bacchae by Euripides, the only existing Greek play in which Dionysos appears, will be staged using the traditional conventions of masks and an all-male cast.

Directed by Roy Sargeant, the play will be presented outdoors in the mini stone amphitheatre next to the Sanlam Lecture Hall and will run every evening from Tuesday to Sunday during the the festival, with two special early morning performances on November 16 and 23.

Those wanting a more scholarly approach will be able to attend a series of lectures on Ancient Greek culture by UCT's Department of Modern and Classical Languages, from November 11–20.

Guided garden walks looking at plants with mythological connections, such as the Protea, which is named after the Greek god Proteus, who was able to take on many different forms, will be on offer throughout the festival.

During the festival the Kirstenbosch Restaurant will be offering a special Greek menu as well as pre-performance Meze platters and summer cocktails on the terrace.

For bookings and the full programme of events, contact the Kirstenbosch Information Desk 021-799-8783 or visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens website.

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