Athens - Archaelogists have warned that stage productions, loud music, high-heels and chewing gun are inflicting irreparable damage on ancient sites across Greece, media reports said Friday. The Central Archaeological Council has accused the Hellenic Festival, organizers of ancient drama and music productions at the ancient Herod Atticus and Epidavros theatres, of not doing enough to ensure their protection.
The archaeologists claim the more than 350,000 annual visitors to the Herod Atticus, located at the foot of the Acropolis, has been detrimental to the venue, according to the Greek daily Kathimerini.
Experts say the lack of respect shown by visitors and production teams is of major concern, with women wearing high-heels shoes and audiences littering the sites with chewing gum.
Despite repeated warnings that large stage sets are incongruous with the nature of the ancient venues, they only appear to be getting bigger. Authorities also fear loud music and sound could damage the ancient structures.
